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

• Main Authors: Maria Izabel Rodrigues Severiano, Bianca Simone Zeigelboim, Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive, Geslaine Janaína Barbosa Santos, Vinícius Ribas Fonseca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (ABNEURO)
• Series: Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria
• Subjects: doença de Parkinson; equilíbrio postural; qualidade de vida; núcleos vestibulares
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2018000200078&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT 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.