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

Asian Spine Journal, 2020 · DOI: 10.31616/asj.2019.0013 · Published: February 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether virtual reality (VR) can help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) improve their balance. The study compared a group receiving VR training plus standard therapy to a group receiving only standard therapy. Balance improvements were assessed using standardized tests like the Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Score.

Study Duration

September 2017 and May 2018

Participants

21 experimental, 12 control SCI patients

Evidence Level

Prospective comparative pre–post study

Key Findings

1
VR training as an enjoyable adjunctive therapy showed potential benefits in balance rehabilitation of patients with SCI.
2
The experimental group (VR + conventional therapy) showed significant improvements in BBS, POMA-B and FRS scores.
3
Motor-incomplete SCI patients had steeper improvements in BBS and POMA-B scores than those with AIS A/B.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the impact of game-based VR training on trunk postural control and balance in SCI patients, comparing outcomes with a control group and assessing results based on the severity of SCI lesions using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). The study found that while both groups showed improvement, there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental group (VR + conventional therapy) and the control group (conventional therapy alone) in the main effects. The authors conclude that VR is an adjunctive therapy for balance rehabilitation in SCI patients, but further research is needed to validate its usefulness compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.

Practical Implications

Adjunct Therapy

VR can be used as an additional tool in balance rehabilitation programs for SCI patients.

Personalized Training

VR allows for graded difficulty adjustments to suit individual patient needs and abilities.

Further Research Needed

More comprehensive studies are required to validate VR's effectiveness against conventional therapy.