Speed-Interactive Pedaling Training Using Smartphone Virtual Reality Application for Stroke Patients: Single-Blinded,...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke frequently impairs lower limb motor function, trunk balance, and gait.
• Conventional therapies may not fully restore functional mobility.
• Innovative training methods are needed to enhance post-stroke recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of speed-interactive pedaling training (SIPT) integrated with a virtual reality application.
• To assess SIPT's impact on lower limb motor function, sitting balance, and gait in stroke patients.
• To compare SIPT outcomes against conventional cycle training.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 42 stroke patients.
• Intervention group received SIPT with virtual reality for 6 weeks, 5 days/week.
• Control group received conventional cycle training without SIPT.

Main Results:

• The SIPT group demonstrated significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (lower limb function).
• Enhanced static and dynamic sitting balance (postural sway, modified functional reach test) was observed in the SIPT group.
• Significant improvements in trunk impairment scale and gait parameters were noted in the SIPT group compared to controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Speed-interactive pedaling training (SIPT) is an effective method for improving motor function, balance, and gait in stroke patients.
• Integrating virtual reality with pedaling exercise offers a promising approach for rehabilitation.
• SIPT can be a valuable tool in clinical settings to restore patient function and improve daily activities.