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Published in: Trials 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Stroke | Study protocol

Virtual reality gait training versus non-virtual reality gait training for improving participation in subacute stroke survivors: study protocol of the ViRTAS randomized controlled trial

Authors: Ilona J. M. de Rooij, Ingrid G. L. van de Port, Johanna M. A. Visser-Meily, Jan-Willem G. Meijer

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

A stroke often results in gait impairments, activity limitations and restricted participation in daily life. Virtual reality (VR) has shown to be beneficial for improving gait ability after stroke. Previous studies regarding VR focused mainly on improvements in functional outcomes. As participation in daily life is an important goal for rehabilitation after stroke, it is of importance to investigate if VR gait training improves participation. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of VR gait training on participation in community-living people after stroke.

Methods/design

The ViRTAS study comprises a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. Fifty people between 2 weeks and 6 months after stroke, who experience constraints with walking in daily life, are randomly assigned to the virtual reality gait training (VRT) group or the non-virtual reality gait training (non-VRT) group. Both training interventions consist of 12 30-min sessions in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic during 6 weeks. Assessments are performed at baseline, post intervention and 3 months post intervention. The primary outcome is participation measured with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P). Secondary outcomes are subjective physical functioning, functional mobility, walking ability, walking activity, fatigue, anxiety and depression, falls efficacy and quality of life.

Discussion

The results of the study provide insight into the effect of VR gait training on participation after stroke.

Trial registration

Netherlands National Trial Register, Identifier NTR6215. Registered on 3 February 2017.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Virtual reality gait training versus non-virtual reality gait training for improving participation in subacute stroke survivors: study protocol of the ViRTAS randomized controlled trial
Authors
Ilona J. M. de Rooij
Ingrid G. L. van de Port
Johanna M. A. Visser-Meily
Jan-Willem G. Meijer
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Stroke
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-3165-7

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