INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, crossover clinical trial comprising 29 individuals with HAM/TSP and randomized them into two groups: (1) early therapy: rehabilitative protocol started immediately after the initial evaluation and (2) late therapy: rehabilitative protocol started 10 weeks later. We assessed all participants for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using video camera and CvMob software. Differences were considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: The early therapy group individuals presented with higher BBS scores (p=0.415), less TUG times (p=0.290), and greater gait speed (p=0.296) than the late therapy group individuals. CONCLUSIONS: VR videogaming is a useful option for rehabilitative therapy in individuals with HAM/TSP; it positively affects balance, functional mobility, and gait speed.
INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, crossover clinical trial comprising 29 individuals with HAM/TSP and randomized them into two groups: (1) early therapy: rehabilitative protocol started immediately after the initial evaluation and (2) late therapy: rehabilitative protocol started 10 weeks later. We assessed all participants for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using video camera and CvMob software. Differences were considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: The early therapy group individuals presented with higher BBS scores (p=0.415), less TUG times (p=0.290), and greater gait speed (p=0.296) than the late therapy group individuals. CONCLUSIONS: VR videogaming is a useful option for rehabilitative therapy in individuals with HAM/TSP; it positively affects balance, functional mobility, and gait speed.
Authors: Rosa Ortiz Gutiérrez; Fernando Galán Del Río; Roberto Cano de la Cuerda; Isabel M Alguacil Diego; Rafael Arroyo González; Juan Carlos Miangolarra Page Journal: NeuroRehabilitation Date: 2013 Impact factor: 2.138
Authors: G A S Dias; G T Yoshikawa; R V L Koyama; S Fujihara; L C S Martins; R Medeiros; J A S Quaresma; H T Fuzii Journal: Spinal Cord Date: 2015-07-14 Impact factor: 2.772
Authors: C Colosimo; E Millefiorini; M G Grasso; F Vinci; M Fiorelli; T Koudriavtseva; C Pozzilli Journal: Acta Neurol Scand Date: 1995-11 Impact factor: 3.209
Authors: Lívia D Facchinetti; Abelardo Q Araújo; Marcus Tt Silva; Ana Claudia C Leite; Mariana F Azevedo; Gisele L Chequer; Raquel Vc Oliveira; Arthur S Ferreira; Marco Antonio Lima Journal: Arq Neuropsiquiatr Date: 2017-04 Impact factor: 1.420