Use of Virtual Reality to Enhance Balance and Ambulation in Chronic Stroke: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

This study demonstrates that virtual reality has an augmented effect on balance and associated locomotor recovery in adults with hemiparetic stroke when added to conventional therapy.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training on Balance and Gait Recovery Early after Stroke: A Pilot Study

“…Since VR training is characterised by individualised, high intensity training in a variety of virtual environments with a high amount of real-time feedback [13][14][15] it might be valuable in stroke rehabilitation. This is confirmed by recent studies [12,[15][16][17][18]. However, almost all studies on the effect of VR on balance and/or gait ability were conducted in the chronic phase after brain injury [9,12,16,17,[19][20][21][22][23].…”

“…This is confirmed by recent studies [12,[15][16][17][18]. However, almost all studies on the effect of VR on balance and/or gait ability were conducted in the chronic phase after brain injury [9,12,16,17,[19][20][21][22][23]. Because of the potential relevant characteristics of VR for motor learning and neuroplasticity [14], VR may be of even more added value during the earlier rehabilitation phase.…”

“…Table 3 shows the demographic data and baseline clinical characteristics of the participants. Median time since stroke onset was 42 (25, 65) days and median USER (Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Clinical Rehabilitation) [44] mobility score was 9 (7,12) at admission for inpatient rehabilitation. …”

“…In recent years, virtual reality (VR) is introduced in the field of balance and gait rehabilitation after stroke [12]. Since VR training is characterised by individualised, high intensity training in a variety of virtual environments with a high amount of real-time feedback [13][14][15] it might be valuable in stroke rehabilitation.…”

The Role of Virtual Motor Rehabilitation: A Quantitative Analysis Between Acute and Chronic Patients With Acquired Brain Injury

“…You et al [43] demonstrated an improvement in cortical reorganization and consequent motor recovery using MVR in chronic stroke patients. Kim et al [44] also demonstrated that MVR can provide advances in balance and gait function in chronic stroke patients. Cho et al [45] achieved a significant improvement in dynamic balance in chronic stroke patients using virtual reality balance training.…”