Effects of Virtual Reality on Transtibial Amputation Physiotherapy Outcomes
Condition: Virtual Reality
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The aim of this study is to compare the effects of virtual reality applications on quality of
      life, performance, balance, prosthesis adaptation and gait parameters in individuals with
      transtibial amputation. 20 Transtibial amputee were included in study. All participants were
      using transtibial prothesis with active vacuum system at least 1 year. Participants were
      divided into two groups. While a group of virtual reality applications were being performed
      additionally standart physiotherapy, only standard physiotherapy methods were applied in the
      second group. Balance and gait practices were performed for each group. Individuals were
      treated for 3 days a week for 4 weeks, and individuals were evaluated before and after
      treatment. Individuals were evaluated for quality of life, performance, balance, prosthesis
      adaptation and time-distance parameters of walking.
    

Detailed description: 
      The aim of this study is to compare the effects of virtual reality applications on quality of
      life, performance, balance, prosthesis adaptation and gait parameters in individuals with
      transtibial amputation.20 transtibial amputee with 36 mean age were included in study. All
      participants were using transtibial prothesis with active vacuum system at least 1 year.
      Participants were divided into two groups. While a group of virtual reality applications were
      being performed, standard physiotherapy methods were applied in the second group. Balance and
      gait practices were performed for each group. Individuals were treated for 3 days a week for
      4 weeks, and individuals were evaluated before and after treatment. Individuals were
      evaluated for quality of life, performance, balance, prosthesis adaptation and time-distance
      parameters of walking.

      For this purpose, SF-36 Questionnaire, 6-minute walking test, one leg rest time, Trinity
      Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Scale, wearable biometric device and footprint method
      were utilized. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in
      pre-treatment and post-treatment performance, balance and gait parameters in the groups of
      individuals (p <0.05). The quality of life pain parameter was statistically decline in the
      group receiving virtual reality (p<0.05). On the other hand, significant differences in the
      quality of life and prosthesis adaptation of the individuals were not found between the
      groups (p> 0.05). The results of this study showed that virtual reality practices and
      standard physiotherapy methods are effective on performance, balance and walking in
      transtibial amputee rehabilitation. It is thought that it will be important to perform
      virtual reality applications in amputee rehabilitation separately in both methods, in
      addition to standard physiotherapy methods, to include in rehabilitation process, to bring an
      ability of alternative application to professionals working in this area and to work about
      amputees with using different suspension systems and with different amputation levels.
    

Intervention name(s): Exercise
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): Virtual Reality Exercies
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: One group only physiotherapy second group takes physiotherapy and virtual reality exercises.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Amputation; Virtual Reality; Rehabilitation