Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence for the use of virtual reality to treat
balance and gait impairments in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation. DESIGN:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and
quasi-randomized clinical trials. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted
using the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Physiotherapy Evidence Database
(PEDro), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and (CINHAL). A quality
assessment was performed using the PEDro scale. The data were pooled and a
meta-analysis was completed. This systematic review was conducted in accordance
with the (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)
PRISMA guideline statement. It was registered in the PROSPERO database
(CRD42016049360). RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included. The data were
pooled, allowing meta-analysis of seven outcomes of interest. A total of 466
participants clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis were analysed. Results
showed that virtual reality balance training is more effective than no
intervention for postural control improvement (standard mean difference (SMD) =
-0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.05, -0.24; P = 0.002). However,
significant overall effect was not showed when compared with conventional
training (SMD = -0.04; 95% CI = -0.70, 0.62; P = 0.90). Inconclusive results were
also observed for gait rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Virtual reality training could
be considered at least as effective as conventional training and more effective
than no intervention to treat balance and gait impairments in multiple sclerosis
rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS