Effects of virtual reality programs on balance in functional ankle instability

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sports Science
• Human Movement Studies

Background:

• Functional ankle instability (FAI) affects balance and increases re-injury risk.
• Traditional rehabilitation for FAI often involves strengthening and balance exercises.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers novel, engaging training modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VR training programs on static and dynamic balance in individuals with FAI.
• To compare the effectiveness of VR balance training versus traditional strengthening exercises.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 20 participants with FAI.
• Two groups: strengthening exercise (Group I) and VR balance exercise (Group II).
• Four weeks of intervention, 3 times/week, using Nintendo Wii Fit Plus VR program.

Main Results:

• Group II (VR balance) demonstrated significant improvements in static and dynamic balance (anterior-posterior and mediolateral directions).
• Significant improvements in balance were observed in Group II compared to Group I post-intervention.
• VR training led to a significant decrease in balance deficits overall.

Conclusions:

• VR training programs are effective in enhancing both static and dynamic balance in individuals with FAI.
• VR rehabilitation can be a safe and efficient therapeutic option for FAI.
• Supervision by a physiotherapist is recommended for optimal and safe implementation of VR programs.