Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria · Feb 2018

Effect of virtual reality in Parkinson's disease: a prospective observational study

By Severiano MIR, Zeigelboim BS, Teive HAG et al.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of balance exercises by means of virtual reality games in Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Sixteen patients were submitted to anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological and vestibular examinations, as well as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Berg Balance Scale, SF-36 questionnaire, and the SRT, applied before and after rehabilitation with virtual reality games. RESULTS: Final scoring for the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Berg Balance Scale was better after rehabilitation. The SRT showed a significant result after rehabilitation. The SF-36 showed a significant change in the functional capacity for the Tightrope Walk and Ski Slalom virtual reality games (p < 0.05), as well as in the mental health aspect of the Ski Slalom game (p < 0.05). The Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Berg Balance Scale showed significant changes in the Ski Slalom game (p < 0.05). There was evidence of clinical improvement in patients in the final assessment after virtual rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The Tightrope Walk and Ski Slalom virtual games were shown to be the most effective for this population.

doi.org/10.1590/0004-282x20170195Open accessPubMed 29489960Interventions