A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of virtual reality training for improving balance and walking after a stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To get a systematic overview of the utility of virtual reality (VR) training for improving the balance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Reports of randomized and controlled clinical trials of virtual reality′s utility for improving the balance and walking of stroke survivors were collected. Two researchers screened the reports independently, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the studies. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software.Results:Ultimately 22 randomized and controlled trials were included. According to the meta-analysis, the VR training groups had significantly greater improvements than the control groups in terms of Berg′s Balance Scale and recovery stages [Weighted mean difference (WMD)=4.09, 95%CI 2.20 to 5.97); WMD=3.31, 95%CI 2.48 to 4.14]. Moreover, there were significant differences in the average timed up & go between the VR and control groups in the recovery stage but not in the sequel stage.Conclusions:Virtual reality training can improve the effectiveness of traditional therapy in promoting the recovery of balance after a stroke. However, there is no significant improvement in terms of promoting walking ability.