Effect of Virtual-Reality-Based Training, Including Preceding Trunk Stabilization Education, on Postural Control and Balance in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigated the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based training combined with preliminary trunk stabilization education on postural control and balance in stroke patients. A single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 30 participants, randomly divided into a trunk stabilization grou...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: SeongMin Lee, JongEun Yim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7620
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Summary:This study investigated the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based training combined with preliminary trunk stabilization education on postural control and balance in stroke patients. A single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 30 participants, randomly divided into a trunk stabilization group (<i>n</i> = 15) and a control group (<i>n</i> = 15). The trunk stabilization group engaged in 10 min of trunk stabilization education followed by 20 min of VR-based training, three times weekly for three weeks. The control group participated only in VR-based training. Outcomes were assessed using the Korean Trunk Impairment Scale (K-TIS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), limit of stability (LOS), and center of pressure (COP) measurements. Both groups significantly improved in all measured outcomes post-intervention (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Notably, the trunk stabilization group exhibited significantly superior improvements in the K-TIS, PASS, BBS, LOS, and COP path length compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These results highlight the enhanced effectiveness of integrating trunk stabilization education with VR-based training, suggesting that it not only yields statistically significant improvements but also provides clinically meaningful benefits for functional postural control and balance recovery in stroke rehabilitation.
ISSN:2076-3417