Infl uence of virtual reality treatment for balance in a patient with cerebral palsy

Abstract

The improvement of maintaining postural balances its essential i for those who have some motor impairment, such as Cerebral Palsy (CP). Virtual Reality (VR) is a feature that is standing out in neurological rehabilitation, but there are few studies regarding adult patients with CP. This study aimed to investigate the infl uence of the VR through the Wii on balance in standing position from a patient with Spastic Hemiplegic CP. It was used the equipment Nintendo® Wii, with the game Wii Fit Plus, where the training chosen stimulated the latero-lateral and anterior-posterior patient’s balance. The instruments used were: Berg Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure, and 3 Neurocom Balance Master Systems tests: Limits of Stability, Tandem Walk and Step/ Quick Turn. The treatment protocol consisted of 10 sessions, with 30 minutes each, performed twice a week for 38 days. At the end of treatment, a signifi cant increase in the scores of various test items performed was observed, which resulted in an improvement of patient’s balance. Results suggest a benefi cial infl uence of the video game Wii regarding to postural balance and functional capacity of patients with PC, which become more confi dent to carry out their activities of daily living.