Article

Obstacle crossing is a balance-challenging task and can cause falls
in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, programs for people with PD
that effectively target obstacle crossing and dynamic balance have not been
established. OBJECTIVE:
To examine the effects of virtual reality-based exercise
on obstacle crossing performance and dynamic balance in participants with PD.
METHODS: Thirty-six participants with a diagnosis of PD (Hoehn and Yahr score
ranging 1 to 3) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the exercise
groups, participants received virtual reality-based Wii Fit exercise (VRWii
group) or traditional exercise
(TE group) for 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes
of treadmill training in each session for a total of 12 sessions over 6 weeks.
Participants in the control group received no structured exercise program.
Primary outcomes included obstacle crossing performance (crossing velocity,
stride length, and vertical toe obstacle clearance) and dynamic balance (maximal
excursion, movement velocity, and directional control measured by the
limits-of-stability test). Secondary outcomes included sensory organization test
(SOT), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ39), fall efficacy scale (FES-I),
and timed up and go test (TUG). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, after
training, and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: The VRWii group showed greater
improvement in obstacle crossing velocity, crossing stride length, dynamic
balance, SOT, TUG, FES-I, and PDQ39 than the control group. VRWii training also
resulted in greater improvement in movement velocity of limits-of-stability test
than TE training. CONCLUSIONS: VRWii training significantly improved obstacle
crossing performance and dynamic balance, supporting implementation of VRWii
training in participants with PD.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS