Interactive 3-dimensional virtual reality rehabilitation for patients with chronic imbalance and vestibular dysfunction

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Yeh, Shih-Ching^a | Chen, Shuya^b | Wang, Pa-Chun^{c; d; *} | Su, Mu-Chun^a | Chang, Chia-Huang^e | Tsai, Po-Yi^f

Affiliations: [a] Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan | [c] Department of Otolaryngology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan | [d] School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan | [e] Outcomes Research Unit, Cathay Medical Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan | [f] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Pa-Chun Wang, Department of Otolaryngology, Cathay General Hospital, 280 Sec.4 Jen-Ai Rd. 106 Taipei, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 2 27082121 ext 3363; Fax: +886 2 66362836; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Background:Chronic imbalance is common in patients with vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular rehabilitation is effective in improving upright balance control. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises, such as Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, include simple repetitive movements and have limited feedback and adaptive training protocols. Interactive systems based on virtual reality (VR) technology may improve vestibular rehabilitation. Objective:The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an interactive 3-dimensional VR system for vestibular rehabilitation. Methods:In 49 subjects with vestibular dysfunction, VR rehabilitation exercises were performed in 6 sessions. Before and after rehabilitation, subjects were evaluated for performance of the training exercises; the center of pressure was measured for 20 seconds and balance indices were determined. Results:Five training scores (total 6) showed a significant improvement. For balance indices in condition of non-stimulation, all of them (total 5) showed a trend of improvement, in which there was a significant improvement in mean mediolateral. For balance indices in condition of post-stimulation, there was a significant improvement in statokinesigram and maximum mediolateral. Conclusions:The VR rehabilitation exercises were effective in improving upright balance control in patients with vestibular dysfunction.

Keywords: Balance, rehabilitation, virtual reality, vestibular

DOI: 10.3233/THC-140855

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 915-921, 2014