Effects of Virtual Reality-Assisted and Overground Gait Adaptation Training on Balance and Walking Ability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study compared the effects of virtual reality-assisted gait adaptation training with the overground gait adaptation training on balance and walking in patients with stroke.

Methods: Fifty-four eligible patients were enrolled. All patients were randomly divided into a virtual reality and control group, with 27 patients in each group. The virtual reality group received virtual reality-assisted training on the treadmill, whereas the control group received overground training in a physical therapy room. After the intervention, patients were assessed using walking speed, obstacle avoidance ability, Timed Up and Go test, postural stability, and the Barthel Index.

Results: Significant improvements in walking speed, obstacle avoidance ability, Timed Up and Go test, and eye-opening center of pressure speed were observed after the intervention ( P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in eye-closing center of pressure speed, tandem center of pressure speed, single-leg center of pressure speed, and Barthel Index ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Stroke patients may benefit from virtual reality-assisted gait adaptation training in improving walking and static balance function and reducing the risk of falls.