Effects of Virtual Reality Balance Game on Balance Function for Parkinson's Disease / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To apply the virtual reality in balance function training for Parkinson's Disease (PD). Methods From October, 2013 to January, 2016, 31 patients with balance disorders after PD were divided into two groupsthe treatment group (n=17) received virtual reality balancing games training, while the control group (n=14) received routine balance training. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), static fall index (SFI), limits of stability (LOS), dynamic fall index (DFI) and modified Barth-el Index (MBI) before and four weeks after treatment. The frequency of falls in the next six weeks was recorded. Results The scores of BBS, TUGT, SFI, LOS, DFI and MBI improved significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and improved more in scores of BBS (t=2.095), TUGT (t=-2.091), DFI (t=-2.182), LOS scores (t=2.202) and MBI (t=3.036) in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was positive correlation between scores of BBS and MBI (r=0.899, P<0.001). The frequency of falls was less in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Virtual reality balance training can improve the balance function for PD.