Comparison of The Effects of Virtual Balance Training and Conservative Rehabilitation Therapy in Stroke Patients
Condition: Hemiplegia; Stroke
MeSH terms: Stroke; Hemiplegia
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The study aimed to assess the effects of a virtual balance training program using the
      Thera-Trainer Balo (TTB) device along with conservative rehabilitation program on the
      clinical findings; standing, stepping, walking and balance measures; and activities of daily
      living in patients with stroke.
    

Detailed description: 
      Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Approximately 71% of
      stroke cases occur as a result of ischemic infarcts. Most survivors of stroke experience gait
      and balance disorders that increase the risk of falling.

      It has been shown that the functional recovery of patients with stroke is adversely affected
      and length of hospital stay during the rehabilitation program, particularly in those with
      severe balance disorders.

      Virtual reality technologies are currently employed to accelerate functional recovery in
      patients.

      A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two
      groups with 15 patients in each group by simple randomization.

      Group 1 received the conservative rehabilitation program, whereas Group 2 received a balance
      training program using the Thera-Trainer Balo (TTB) device along with the conservative
      rehabilitation program.

      Patient information regarding the age, gender, hemiplegic side, stroke duration, and type of
      ischemia were recorded. The stage of motor recovery according to Brunnstrom, spasticity based
      on the modified Ashworth scale, ambulation ability based on the Functional Ambulation Scale
      (FAS), quality of life based on the Short Form-36 (SF-36) scale, and balance-coordination
      status based on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were assessed at the beginning of the treatment
      and at the endpoint of the 8 week treatment. Moreover, evaluations were made with static and
      dynamic postural stability tests.

      The study aimed to assess the effects of a virtual balance training program using the
      Thera-Trainer Balo (TTB) device along with conservative rehabilitation program on the
      clinical findings; standing, stepping, walking and balance measures; and activities of daily
      living in patients with stroke.
    

Intervention name(s): Conservative rehabilitation; Virtual Balance Training
Intervention type(s): Other; Device
Intervention description(s): The conservative rehabilitation program includes a patient-specific conservative exercise program comprising exercises that strengthen the paralyzed side, increase joint range of motion and strengthen muscles, stretch spastic muscles, and ensure balance rehabilitation that enhances balance performance and coordination. The patients in both groups received conservative rehabilitation program for 8 weeks, 4 days a week for 1 h.; Virtual balance training program using the Thera-Trainer Balo device was applied 4 times a week for a total of 8 weeks, and each session lasted for 20 min. The center of mass of each patient was determined using sensors and displayed on the screen. The patients were encouraged to move their mass by swiping in all directions via the apple picking game displayed on the screen
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment