Home-Based Virtual Reality-Augmented Training Improves Lower Limb Muscle Strength, Balance, and Functional Mobility following Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This study investigates whether using virtual reality (VR) training at home can help people with incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI) improve their motor functions. Twelve individuals with chronic iSCI participated in home-based training using a VR system that combined action observation and execution to train lower limb movements. The results showed significant improvements in lower limb muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility after the VR training, suggesting it may be a useful tool for neurorehabilitation.

• 1
  Significant improvements were observed in lower limb muscle strength (LEMS) following the home-based VR training.
• 2
  Balance, as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), showed significant improvement after the VR training intervention.
• 3
  Functional mobility, assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, improved significantly after treatment and remained improved at the follow-up assessment.