Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Introduction
Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP.Methods
We conducted a blinded, crossover clinical trial comprising 29 individuals with HAM/TSP and randomized them into two groups: (1) early therapy: rehabilitative protocol started immediately after the initial evaluation and (2) late therapy: rehabilitative protocol started 10 weeks later. We assessed all participants for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using video camera and CvMob software. Differences were considered significant if p<0.05.Results
The early therapy group individuals presented with higher BBS scores (p=0.415), less TUG times (p=0.290), and greater gait speed (p=0.296) than the late therapy group individuals.Conclusions
VR videogaming is a useful option for rehabilitative therapy in individuals with HAM/TSP; it positively affects balance, functional mobility, and gait speed.
SUBMITTER: Fonseca EPD
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7849324 | biostudies-literature | 2021
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Fonseca Erika Pedreira da EPD Sá Katia Nunes KN Nunes Rebeca Freitas Reis RFR Souza Camille Rosa de Jesus CRJ Sousa Mayra Castro de Matos MCM Pinto Elen Beatriz EB
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 20210129
<h4>Introduction</h4>Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP.<h4>Methods</h4>We condu ...[more]