Restoration of motive function of the lower extremities using virtual reality technique

Abstract

© 2019 Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research. Objective: To study the efficiency of usage of immersive virtual reality with proprioceptive sensory effects for the rehabilitation of the static locomotor function of patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke. Material and methods: The study involved 33 patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke in the carotid system. The patients were randomized into two groups, the study group additionally received classes under immersive virtual reality with a sensory impact. The course consisted of 10 classes of 15 minutes each. Results. According to the Berg balance scale, on the 6th day of classes (p = 0.03), an improvement in the static-locomotor function was detected in the study group. On the last day of the rehabilitation course, the patients from the group subjected to the course demonstrated an improvement in the static locomotor function by 23 points (95% CI 13-27 points) in the study population and by 7 points (95% CI 2-13 points) on the Berg balance scale, as compared with the control group. Conclusion. Our preliminary results demonstrate a positive effect of the usage of immersive virtual reality tools in the rehabilitation of static-locomotor function. Also, this research demonstrates the safety of this method for patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke. Further increase in the efficiency of usage of immersive virtual reality is possible due to multi-touch feedback or neurocomputer interface technology.