Gait Training with Virtual Reality-Based Real-Time Feedback for Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of gait training with virtual reality-based real-time feedback on motor function, balance, and spatiotemporal gait parameters in poststroke patients. OBJECTIVE: Fifteen patients(n=15) with chronic stroke were randomized assigned to either the virtual reality-based real-time feedback with treadmill gait training (experimental group n=8) or the treadmill gait training (control group n=7). METHODS: The experimental group participated a treadmill, an Oculus Rift VR device, and smart insoles were used for gait training with VR-based real-time feedback. Regarding gait training with VR-based real-time feedback, the patient wore an Oculus Rift and performed gait training on a treadmill for 30mins a day, three times a week, for 5 weeks. The control group participated in treadmill gait training for 30mins a day, three times a week, for 5 weeks. Motor function was measured using the Fugl-myear assessment. Balance was measured using the timed up and go test and berg balance scale. Gait performance was measured using an Optogait. RESULT: In group analyses both groups showed significant improvements in motor function balance, gait ability and gait. According to the pre- and post-treatment results, greater improvement on the Fugl-myear assessment (experimental group: 4.75 vs. control group: 1.57) was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the balance ability, greater improvement on the timed up and go test (experimental group: -3.10 vs. control group: -1.12) and berg balance scale (experimental group: 3.00 vs. control group: 1.71) (P < 0.05). In the spatiotemporal gait parameters, greater improvement on affected step length (5.35 vs 2.01), stride length (3.86 vs 1.75), affected single support (2.61 vs 1.22), and cadence (0.07 vs. 0.02) was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the positive effects of the virtual reality-based real-time feedback with treadmill gait training on motor function, balance and gait performance. Our findings may have the virtual reality-based real-time feedback with treadmill gait training to enhance gait performance in chronic stroke patients