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KMID : 0357220130250020096
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Journal of Korean Society Physical Therapy
2013 Volume.25 No. 2 p.96 ~ p.102
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Effects of a Virtual Reality Training Program on Balance and Lower Muscular Strength of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
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Lee Dong-Kyu
Kim Eun-Kyung
Kim Yong-Nam
Kim Yong-Seong
Hwang Tae-Yeon
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Abstract
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Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a training program using virtual reality on the balance and lower muscular strength of Parkinson’s disease patients.
Methods: The study included 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease who were arbitrarily classified into 2 groups: 11 patients in the experimental group and 11 patients in the control group. Balance was measured with the Berg balance scale (BBS), the functional reach test (FRT), one-leg stance test (OLST), and the timed up and go test (TUG); whereas, lower muscular strength was measured with the sit-to-stand test (STS). Ping-Pong, bowling, and tennis were selected for virtual reality training for the experimental group, and were performed for 30 minutes 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The control group did not undergo any of the virtual reality training programs.
Results: A significant difference was observed in the BBS, FRT, OLST, TUG, and STS results within the experimental group that underwent the virtual reality training program. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in the BBS, FRT, OLST, TUG, and STS values within the control groups.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the virtual reality training program positively affects the balance and lower muscular strength in Parkinson’s disease patients. This result indicates the possibility of application of the virtual reality training program to the management for Parkinson’s disease patients, and highlights the need for the development and application of more efficient virtual reality training programs in the future.
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KEYWORD
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Virtual reality exposure therapy, Balance, Lower muscular strength, Parkinson’s disease
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