The Effect of Virtual Reality Therapy on Stability and Gait in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Due to degenerative changes in the nervous system, patients with Parkinson's disease experience a gradual decline in mobility, impaired postural control, and loss of balance. This pilot study investigated how immersive virtual reality can help alleviate these symptoms. The virtual environment allows patients to safely practice movement skills by simulating real activities of daily living.

Study Design and Methodology

The pilot study included 9 cooperative patients (mean age 60.6 years) at disease stages 1–3 (according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale). Standardized clinical tests were used to evaluate functional mobility, gait speed, and balance before and after therapy:

10MW (10 Meter Walk Test): Measures both comfortable and fast gait speed over a 10-meter distance.

TUG (Timed Up and Go) + Dual Task: Assesses timed standing and walking with an added cognitive load (dual-tasking).

BBS (Berg Balance Scale): A 14-item balance scale containing specific movement tasks.

Key Research Results:

Increased Gait Speed: A statistically significant increase in gait speed was observed in the TUG test following virtual reality therapy ($p = 0.01$, $r = 0.85$).

In the more complex dual-task test (TUG+DT), a slight yet clinically meaningful increase in speed was recorded post-therapy.

Conclusion and Practical Implications

The results of this pilot study clearly highlight the positive impact of virtual reality therapy on the motor and speed components of gait in patients with Parkinson's disease. Given the progressive nature of the condition, patients require long-term, highly engaging rehabilitation. Training in virtual reality represents a highly effective tool for improving functional abilities, maintaining maximum independence, and ensuring safe mobility.

Study Authors: Štula V.¹, Honzíková L.¹, Dabrowská M.¹, Skřinařová I.², Mullerová K.², Čecháčková R.², Augste E.¹, Trdá J.³, Baníková Š.², Filip M.¹, Školoudík D.¹ (¹University of Ostrava, Faculty of Medicine; ²Ostrava University Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation; ³VR Vitalis® Ostrava)

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