The Effects of VR-assisted and Overground Gait Adaptation Training on Balance and Walking Ability in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the effects of virtual reality(VR)-assisted gait adaptation training with the overground gait adaptation training on balance and walking in patients with stroke.

Methods: Fifty-four eligible patients were enrolled. All patients were randomly divided into a VR and control group, with 27 patients in each group. The VR group received VR-assisted training on the treadmill, whereas the control group received overground training in a physical therapy room. After the intervention, patients were assessed using walking speed, obstacle avoidance ability, timed up and go (TUG) test, postural stability, and the Barthel Index (BI).

Results: Significant improvements in walking speed, obstacle avoidance ability, TUG test and eye-opening center of pressure (COP) speed were observed after the intervention (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in eye-closing COP speed, tandem COP speed, single-leg COP speed, and BI (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Stroke patients may benefit from VR-assisted gait adaptation training in improving walking and static balance function and reducing the risk of falls.