The Effect of Virtual Reality Game Training on Fear of Falling and Quality of Life After Subacute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Fear of falling after a stroke can be caused by a lack of balance, muscle weakness, or impaired motor control. This can affect a patient's ability to move around and their overall quality of life after a stroke. However, virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to help with this issue by providing simulated physical exercises that are safe and controlled. By combining VR rehabilitation with conventional stroke care, it's possible to improve a patient's ability to move around safely and their quality of life after a stroke.
Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 18 ischemic post-stroke patients who sought treatment at the Medical Rehabilitation Installation of Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital Manado from June to July 2023. The study aimed to analyze the impact of VR game training using Xbox 360° and Kinect^TM devices on fear of falling and post-stroke quality of life. The assessment of fear of falling was done using the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) and quality of life using the EQ-5D. The intervention included four types of game exercises scheduled three times per week, with each session lasting 30 minutes with a total of eight sessions for each subject.
Results: Following VR game training, there was a significant reduction in fear of falling (t = 15.353, p less than 0.001) and an improvement in quality of life across five dimensions of health problems as well as EQ-5D (t = 23.777, p less than 0.001).
Conclusion: VR game training combined with conventional stroke care can reduce the fear of falling and improve the quality of life of post-stroke patients.