The effects of semi-immersive virtual reality therapy on standing balance and upright mobility function in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) commonly face persistent balance or mobility impairments. Virtual reality (VR) therapy is a useful rehabilitation approach; however, little is known about its effects in individuals with chronic iSCI.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of semi-immersive VR therapy on standing balance and upright mobility function in individuals with chronic iSCI.

METHODS

Ten subjects with chronic iSCI underwent VR therapy 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. Limit of stability (LOS) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used to evaluate standing balance function. The Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABS) Scale, and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury-II (WISCI-II) were used to measure the subject's upright mobility function. Outcomes were assessed and recorded pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

After semi-immersive VR therapy, LOS and BBS scores were significantly increased. In addition, the TUG test results increased significantly over time, while ABC scale scores and WSCI-II levels improved significantly.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to assess the effects of semi-immersive VR therapy for patients with chronic iSCI and limited functional abilities. These results indicated that semi-immersive VR therapy has a positive effect and is a useful intervention for standing balance and upright mobility function in patients with chronic iSCI.