The effects of semi-immersive virtual reality therapy on standing balance and upright mobility function in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A preliminary study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1369217 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how virtual reality (VR) therapy can help people with incomplete spinal cord injuries improve their balance and mobility. VR therapy uses computer-generated environments to simulate real-world tasks. Ten participants with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries underwent semi-immersive VR therapy for 6 weeks, involving exercises designed to improve balance and movement. The study measured their balance, walking ability, and confidence before and after the therapy. The results showed that VR therapy improved participants' balance, walking speed, and confidence in their balance. This suggests that VR therapy could be a useful tool for rehabilitation in people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

10 subjects with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Limit of stability (LOS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores were significantly increased after semi-immersive VR therapy, indicating improved standing balance.
2
The Timed Up & Go (TUG) test results improved significantly over time, while Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale scores and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury-II (WISCI-II) levels improved significantly, demonstrating enhanced upright mobility function.
3
The more and less affected DLOS scores were significantly improved after therapy (28.80 to 42.40 and 34.60 to 48.40, respectively; P < 0.01); however, forward and backward DLOS scores did not differ significantly after therapy.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of semi-immersive VR therapy on standing balance and upright mobility function in patients with chronic iSCI. After 6 weeks of semi-immersive VR therapy, standing balance and upright mobility performance were significantly improved. Post-intervention, the OLOS score increased significantly. These results show an improved ability to move and adjust COG while standing without losing balance. Specifically, for the LOS measure results for each direction, there was a significant increase in DLOS score in the more affected and less affected directions In conclusion, this study found that semi-immersive VR therapy effectively improves balance and upright mobility function in patients with chronic iSCI. Real-time repetitive training through an unpredictable scenario in a virtual environment is considered an effective intervention technique to improve postural adjustment control.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

Semi-immersive VR therapy can be considered as a useful intervention for improving standing balance and upright mobility in patients with chronic iSCI.

Improved Confidence

The therapy can positively affect a subject’s self-reported balance confidence, potentially leading to a decreased fear of falling and improved upright mobility activity.

Functional Improvement

Improvements in WISCI-II levels indicate that the need for assistive devices, braces, or physical assistance may be reduced or eliminated during walking.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size makes it difficult to generalize the results.
2
Lack of a control group and comparison with other rehabilitation strategies limits accurate verification of the treatment effect.
3
Absence of follow-up measures prevents confirmation of the carryover effect of semi-immersive VR therapy.

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