Effects of a Virtual Reality-Based Balance Training Program on Clinical Outcomes and Cortical Oscillatory Activity: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Persistent balance and mobility deficits are common after stroke, often inadequately addressed by conventional therapy.
• Virtual reality (VR) presents a promising avenue for enhancing functional recovery in stroke rehabilitation.
• This study investigates the impact of short-term VR training on clinical mobility outcomes and associated electroencephalography (EEG) changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week virtual reality (VR) training program on improving balance and mobility in subacute stroke survivors.
• To explore the relationship between functional recovery and changes in global cortical activity, measured by electroencephalography (EEG).

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-group, repeated-measures study involving 28 subacute stroke survivors.
• Participants underwent 12 VR sessions over 4 weeks, with assessments at baseline, week 2, and week 4.
• Clinical outcomes (Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, Lower-Extremity Motor Coordination Test) and resting EEG data were collected.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in Berg Balance Scale scores, Timed Up and Go test times, and Lower-Extremity Motor Coordination Test scores.
• Global EEG power increased across beta, alpha, and theta bands during the 4-week VR intervention.
• Balance gains correlated with alpha band increases, while mobility improvements were associated with beta band modulation.

Conclusions:

• Four weeks of VR training yielded substantial functional gains in stroke survivors.
• The observed improvements in clinical mobility are associated with widespread increases in cortical oscillatory activity.
• Findings support a mechanistic link between VR-induced neuroplasticity and functional recovery in stroke rehabilitation.