Muhammad Kashifa b c✉, Ashfaq Ahmadc, Mohammad Ali Mohseni Bandpeic, Syed Amir Gilanic, Asif Hanifc, Humaira Iramd
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Abstract Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, impairing balance and motor function. Virtual reality (VR) and motor imagery (MI) are emerging techniques for rehabilitating people with PD. VR and MI combination have not been studied in PD patients. This study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of VR and MI techniques on the balance, motor function, and activities of daily living (ADLs) of patients with PD. Methods This study was a single-centered, two-armed, parallel-designed randomized controlled trial. A total of 44 patients of either gender who had idiopathic PD were randomly allocated into two groups using lottery methods. Both groups received Physical therapy (PT) treatment, while the experimental group (N: 20) received VR and MI in addition to PT. Both groups received assigned treatment for three days a week on alternate days for 12 weeks. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) (parts II and III), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale were used as outcome measures for motor function, balance, and ADLs. The baseline, 6th, and 12thweeks of treatment were assessed, with a 16thweek follow-up to measure retention. The data was analysed using SPSS 24. Results The experimental group showed significant improvement in motor function than the control group on the UPDRS part III, with 32.45±3.98 vs. 31.86±4.62 before and 15.05±7.16 vs. 25.52±7.36 at 12-weeks, and ap-value < 0.001. At 12 weeks, the experimental group's BBS scores improved from 38.95±3.23 to 51.36±2.83, withp-value < 0.001. At 12 weeks, the experimental group's balance confidence improved considerably, from 59.26±5.87to 81.01±6.14, with ap-value of < 0.001. The experimental group's ADL scores improved as well, going from 22.00±4.64 to 13.07±4.005 after 12 weeks, with ap-value of < 0.001. Conclusion VR with MI techniques in addition to routine PT significantly improved motor function, balance, and ADLs in PD patients compared to PT alone. Trial registration IRCT20200221046567N1 . Date of registration: 01/04/2020
TL;DRVR with MI techniques in addition to routine PT significantly improved motor function, balance, and ADLs in PD patients compared to PT alone. (Semantic Scholar)
