Hanan Khalil1, Alham Al-Sharman1, Khalid El-Salem2, Alia A Alghwiri3, Duha Al-Shorafat2, Shada Khazaaleh1, Lamees Abu Foul1. 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Irbid, Jordan. 2. Department of Neurosciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Irbid, Jordan. 3. The University of Jordan, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Balance deficits are considered a risk factor for falls in MS patients. Therefore, developing innovative approaches such as virtual reality (VR) to improve balance in MS is required. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate feasibility and acceptability of VR scenarios that target balance in MS using a pilot trial. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to either a VR training (i.e. intervention group) (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Intervention group received VR training for 6 weeks. Control group received home-based traditional balance exercises without the VR. Participants were assessed at baseline and follow-up on Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), the 10 Meter Walk Test (10-MWT), the 3 Minute Walk Distance (3-MWD), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) Fall Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Six VR scenarios weer developed. Sixteen participants in the intervention and 16 in the control group completed the study. Significant differences between the two groups were observed at on BBS, MFIS and several outcomes of the SF-36 survey (P < 0.05). Participants reported overall level of satisfaction with the developed VR scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a VR-based program in MS individuals. Our findings support the implementation of a larger trial of longer-term VR program.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Balance deficits are considered a risk factor for falls in MS patients. Therefore, developing innovative approaches such as virtual reality (VR) to improve balance in MS is required. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to develop and evaluate feasibility and acceptability of VR scenarios that target balance in MS using a pilot trial. METHODS:Participants were randomly allocated to either a VR training (i.e. intervention group) (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Intervention group received VR training for 6 weeks. Control group received home-based traditional balance exercises without the VR. Participants were assessed at baseline and follow-up on Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), the 10 Meter Walk Test (10-MWT), the 3 Minute Walk Distance (3-MWD), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) Fall Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Six VR scenarios weer developed. Sixteen participants in the intervention and 16 in the control group completed the study. Significant differences between the two groups were observed at on BBS, MFIS and several outcomes of the SF-36 survey (P < 0.05). Participants reported overall level of satisfaction with the developed VR scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a VR-based program in MS individuals. Our findings support the implementation of a larger trial of longer-term VR program.
Entities:
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosis; balance; motor training; rehabilitation; virtual reality
Authors: Dario Calafiore; Marco Invernizzi; Antonio Ammendolia; Nicola Marotta; Francesco Fortunato; Teresa Paolucci; Francesco Ferraro; Claudio Curci; Agnieszka Cwirlej-Sozanska; Alessandro de Sire Journal: Front Neurol Date: 2021-12-10 Impact factor: 4.003