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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Effects of substituting a portion of standard physiotherapy time with virtual reality games among community-dwelling stroke survivors

Authors: Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin, Noor Azah Abd Aziz, Beng Kooi Lim, Li Ching Soh

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Evidence indicates that the continuation of therapy among community-dwelling stroke survivors improves physical function. Community rehabilitation programmes often face limitations in terms of resources. It is imperative to include new motivational interventions to encourage some level of non-clinician management. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were any changes in physical function and activities of daily living when substituting a portion of the standard physiotherapy time with virtual reality games among community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Methods

In this controlled trial, the experimental group received 30 minutes of virtual reality balance games in addition to 90 minutes of standard physiotherapy. The control group continued with their two hours of routine standard physiotherapy. Both groups received 12 therapy sessions: two-hour sessions twice per week for six continuous weeks. Changes in physical function, activities of daily living and balance ability were assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, 30-second Sit to Stand test, Timed Ten-Metre Walk test, Six-Minute Walk test and the Barthel Index, and static balance was assessed using a probalance board.

Results

Twenty-eight participants completed post-intervention assessments. The results showed a significant within-subject effect on the Timed Up and Go test: F (1, 26) = 5.83, p = 0.02; and the 30-second Sit to Stand test; F (1, 26) = 13.50, p = 0.001. The between-subject effect was not significant (p > 0.05) for any of the outcome measurements.

Conclusion

Substituting a portion of the standard physiotherapy time with virtual reality games was equally effective in maintaining physical function outcomes and activities of daily living among community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Trial Registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, ACTRN12613000478​718
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Effects of substituting a portion of standard physiotherapy time with virtual reality games among community-dwelling stroke survivors
Authors
Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh
Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin
Noor Azah Abd Aziz
Beng Kooi Lim
Li Ching Soh
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-13-199

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