The effect of virtual reality therapy on stability and gait in patient´s with Parkinson´s disease

Štula Vojtěch 1 , Honzíková Lucie 1 , Dabrowská Marcela 1 , Skřinařová Irena 2 , Mullerová Kristýna 2 , Čecháčková Renáta 2 , Augste Eva 1 , Trdá Jana 3 , Baníková Šárka 2 , Filip Michal 1 , Školoudík David 1

1 Ostravská univerzita, Lékařská fakulta, Klinika rehabilitace a tělovýchovného lékařství

2 Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Klinika rehabilitace a tělovýchovného lékařství

3 VR Vitalis® Ostrava

Introduction: As a result of degenerative changes in the nervous system, Parkinson´s sufferers experience impaired mobility, posture control and balance. Immersive virtual reality provides complete integration of the individual into a virtual environment similar to the real world, allowing the patient to practice skills by simulating and incorporating real-life activities into the day.

Material and methods: The pilot study included 9 patients (60.6 ± 14.2 years). Criteria for inclusion in the study – adult patients at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3, single and mobile patient, stable and cooperative. A 10MW (10 Meter Walk) was used to examine and evaluate comfortable and fast walking, and TUG (Timed Up and Go) + dual task was applied to quickly assess the highest possible degree of functional mobility. Furthermore, a BBS (Berg balance scale) 14-item balance scale containing specific movement tasks was used. The data were processed in the PAST program by the nonparametric Wilcoxon paired test.

Results: A statistically significant acceleration of gait was found in the TUG parameter after therapy (p = 0.01, r = 0.85). In TUG+DT, a slight effect size of gait acceleration (r > 0.40) was found after therapy.

Conclusions: The results of the pilot study point to the positive effect of virtual reality therapy on the motor and speed components of walking. Due to the progressive nature of Parkinson´s disease, long-term rehabilitation is required to improve functional abilities while maintaining maximum self-sufficiency and safe mobility and virtual reality training can represent this rehabilitation.

Keywords: long-term rehabilitation, mobility, walking speed.

Contact

Lucie Honzíková, Klinika rehabilitace a tělovýchovného lékařství, LF OU, Syllabova 19, Ostrava – Vítkovice, 703 00, Lucie.honzikova@osu.cz

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