Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Practice
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of virtual reality training for improving balance and walking after a stroke
Liang Ming, Wei Zhen, Xie Rong, Han Jing, Ma Jing, Tao Jing, Wang Baoxia, Fang Rui
Published 2020-07-25
Cite as Chin J Phys Med Rehabil, 2020, 42(7): 632-639. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2020.07.011
Abstract
ObjectiveTo get a systematic overview of the utility of virtual reality (VR) training for improving the balance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.
MethodsReports 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.
ResultsUltimately 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.
ConclusionsVirtual 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.
Key words:
Stroke; Virtual reality; Balance; Walking; Meta-analyses
Contributor Information
Liang Ming
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Wei Zhen
Hypertension Diagnostic Center, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Xie Rong
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Han Jing
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Ma Jing
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Tao Jing
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Wang Baoxia
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
Fang Rui
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, People′s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China