Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine
whether the use of a low-cost virtual reality (VR) system used in conjunction
with partial body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) was feasible and
effective in improving the walking and balance abilities of patients poststroke.
DESIGN: A before-after comparison of a single group with BWSTT intervention.
SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 7
adults who were within 1 year poststroke and who had completed traditional
rehabilitation but still exhibited gait deficits. Six participants completed the
study. INTERVENTION: Twelve treatment sessions of BWSTT with VR. The VR system
generated a virtual environment that showed on a television screen in front of
the treadmill to give participants the sensation of walking down a city street. A
head-mounted position sensor provided postural feedback. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, and
overground walking speed. RESULTS: One subject dropped out of the study. All
other participants made significant improvements in their ability to walk. FGA
scores increased from mean of 13.8 to 18. BBS scores increased from mean of 43.8
to 48.8, although a ceiling effect was seen for this test. Overground walking
speed increased from mean of .49m/s to .68m/s. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost VR system
combined with BWSTT is feasible for improved gait and balance of patients
poststroke.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS