Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Gait training protocol on Hemiplegic gait

Abstract

Purpose of Study: Gait impairment is one of the devastating sequel of stroke. Hence, gait recovery forms the crux of improving patients’ quality of life. Traditional methods lack the nuances associated with stroke rehabilitation; however, innovative VR technology is now a widely accepted training regimen in post-stroke rehabilitation. Currently, no literature addresses VR’s effectiveness on stroke-related gait rehabilitation. This study evaluated the efficacy of VR-based gait training protocol on hemiplegic gait.
Methodology:60patientswereselectedaccordingtostudycriteriaandrandomizedintoGroup A(n=30), receiving conventionalgait training, and Group B (n=30), receiving virtualreality- based and conventional training 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated pre- and post-treatment for gait mobility by Time Up and Go test (TUG), Lower extremity functions by Fugl Meyer Assessment-lower extremity (FMA-LL), and Gait variables: step length, stride length, and Cadence.
Result: Data was statistically analyzed using Paired and unpaired t-tests. Group A: post- intervention TUG was 16.033±4.072, FMA-LL was 22.967±2.710 (p<0.0001). Gait variables like the step length difference (5.567±1.194),the stride length(79.333±4.475),and the cadence (80.867±3.998) (p<0.0002) show significance. However, the group B Post-intervention TUG was (12.933±1.982), FMA-LL was (25.033±3.388), and Gait variables Step length difference was (3.733±1.081),Stridelength(82.133±7.682)AndCadence(84.633±3.945)(p<0.0001)
which was extremely significant.

Between groups, TUG for group A(16.033±4.072) and group B (12.933±1.982) (p=0.0024), FMA-LL for group A (22.967±2710) & group B (25.033±3.388) (p=0.0124), and in Gait variables Step length difference for group A (5.733±1.081) and group B (3.733±1.081) with p<0.0001,Stridelength-groupA(79.333±4.358)&groupB(82.133±7.682)(p=0.0436),
Cadence for group A (80.687±3.998) & group B(85.767±5.029) (p=0.0006) which shows extremely significant.
Conclusion: Virtual reality-based gait training protocol was effective in improving Hemiplegic gait. These findings provide strong evidence supporting the use of Virtual Reality as an effective tool for gait training in individuals with hemiplegic gait.