2024, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A
Effectiveness of semi-immersive virtual reality therapy along with conventional physiotherapy on improving standing balance and upright mobility function in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A pilot study
Author(s): Pranesh Sam Gibson Fransis, Satheesh Amuldass, Sivakumar Chinnusamy and Pradeepa Mani
Abstract: Background: Spinal cord injury occurs when there is any damage to the spinal cord that blocks communication between the brain and the body. Spinal cord injury is a kind of high disabling injury; it not only can lead to damage or loss of sensation and motor function, but also may lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Symptoms differ for each person according to the level of injury. Some of the symptoms include loss of motor abilities and sensation, weakness or inability to walk, difficulty with balance and coordination and loss of bowel and bladder control. Objectives: The study’s primary objective was to find out the effectiveness of combined virtual reality and conventional physiotherapy on improving standing balance and upright mobility in subjects with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury. Subjects and Methods: This study is a pilot study. 10 subjects were recruited by using the selection criteria They received virtual reality therapy along with conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks. Pre-test and post-test evaluation score for balance and upright mobility was taken using Limit of stability, Berg balance scale, timed up and go test, Activity specific balance scale and Walking index for spinal cord injury-II the values were recorded for statistical analysis. Result: The statistical analysis showed that the calculated ‘t’ value using the paired ‘t’ test for balance on limit of stability of overall, forward, backward, more affected, less affected were 42.39, 6.324, 9.005, 31.46, 28.92 respectively and for berg balance scale was 17.1 which was greater than the table value of 2.262 with p<0.05. The statistical analysis showed that the calculated ‘t’ value using the paired ‘t’ test for upright mobility on time up and go test, activities specific balance scale, walking index for spinal cord injury-II were 13.70, 6.4, 9.78 respectively which was greater than the table value of 2.262 with p<0.05. Thus, the resultant of the study shows that there was significantly improvement in standing balance and upright mobility among chronic incomplete spinal cord injury subjects.Conclusion: The study concluded that semi-immersive virtual reality therapy along with conventional therapy was found to be effective in improving standing balance and upright mobility among chronic incomplete spinal cord injury subjects.Clinical implications: The semi-immersive virtual reality therapy along with conventional therapy improves standing balance and upright mobility. Increasing standing balance and upright mobility improves symptoms in chronic incomplete spinal cord injury subjects.
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How to cite this article:
Pranesh Sam Gibson Fransis, Satheesh Amuldass, Sivakumar Chinnusamy and Pradeepa Mani. Effectiveness of semi-immersive virtual reality therapy along with conventional physiotherapy on improving standing balance and upright mobility function in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A pilot study. International Journal of Childhood and Development Disorders. 2024; 5(1): 37-42.
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