Paper title: |
Virtual reality based-therapy: targeting balance impairments to improve gait in stroke |
DOI: | 10.4316/SAM.2022.0201 |
Published in: | Volume XV issue 2/ 2022 |
Publishing date: | 2022 |
Pages: | 4-11 |
Author(s): | Gabriela Iuliana Cazac |
Abstract. | In relation to their posture limitations stroke patients have difficulties in maintaining balance and this is reflected in gait performance which strongly affects independence in performing daily living activities. In this framework, the use of virtual reality devices may be helpful as it offers neuroplastic changes in stroke patients through several features such as goal-oriented task, specifity, repetitions, activation of mirror neuron system, enhacing brain reward system (motivation) shown to be important in neurological rehabilitation.
The present paper underlines the key aspects of stroke rehabilitation and how virtual reality technology can exploit the capacity of the central nervous system for functional reorganization and mediate recovery through neuroplasticity. The bottom line is that through improvements in balance we can influence other neurological deficits such as gait (via improvements in balance). We found VR to be a promising method with positive effects on stroke rehabilitation, a complementary method that can make the post-stroke rehabilitation fun. So indulge in the fun! |
Keywords: | balance, rehabilitation, stroke, virtual reality |
References: |
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