Response to: Role of Virtual Reality in Balance Training in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Comparative Pre–Post Study

Asian Spine J, 2020 · DOI: 10.31616/asj.2020.0051.r2 · Published: March 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This letter to the editor is a response to comments regarding a previously published study on the role of virtual reality in balance training for patients with spinal cord injury. The authors address concerns about sample size calculations, diagrammatic inaccuracies in the original paper, and the analysis of normality tests. The authors clarify their methodology and defend their choice of statistical analysis, stating that it was appropriate for the data and research design.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

34, 14, and 16, respectively for BBS, FRS, and POMA-B

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The original sample size calculations were correct, and the concerns raised by the reader were based on a misinterpretation.
2
A diagrammatic inaccuracy in the original paper has been acknowledged and corrected to reflect appropriate terms.
3
The statistical analysis used was nonparametric, making the normality of the data irrelevant to the validity of the results.

Research Summary

This letter addresses concerns raised about a study on virtual reality in balance training for spinal cord injury patients. The authors defend their original methodology, particularly the sample size calculation and statistical analysis, against criticisms. Corrections were made to address diagrammatic inaccuracies in the initial publication, demonstrating the authors' responsiveness to feedback.

Practical Implications

Statistical Rigor

Reinforces the importance of appropriate statistical methods in research.

Transparency

Highlights the need for clarity and accuracy in reporting research methodologies and results.

Critical Evaluation

Demonstrates the value of peer review in identifying and addressing potential issues in published research.

Study Limitations

1
The letter is a response and does not present new research data.
2
The scope is limited to addressing specific criticisms of the original study.
3
The letter relies on the reader's understanding of the original paper and related statistical concepts.

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