130 Impact of Balance Training in Virtual Reality on Body Balance in Patients after Total HIP Replacement

Virtual Reality (VR) training is becoming an increasingly popular form of exercise aiding in re-education of body balance. Many reports have demonstrated its effectiveness, greater patient involvement in exercise and better outcomes compared to traditional rehabilitation [1]. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the additional training in VR on body balance in patients after total hip replacement.

56 patients randomly assigned to an experimental group (30 people) and a control group (26 people) was included in the study. All patients had undergone THR within 2 to 12 weeks before the beginning of the study. The control group underwent standard post-operative rehabilitation, while a VR training programme was used in the experimental group as an additional rehabilitation tool. Balance was assessed with the VBC system and the AMTi AccuSway plate. The results were considered significant for p <0.05.

CoP displacement in the frontal plane was reduced in both groups in tests with eyes closed (p<0.05). Other parameters in standing tests remain the same. The maximum forward deflection test has shown a significant increase in the range of forward movement in the experimental group (p <0.05). In the control group, the duration of the forward movement phase was reduced, but the range remained the same. The rhythmic sway test showed an increase in the average speed of movements in the experimental group (p <0.05). There were no changes in the control group.

1. Postural stability training in VR primarily involves dynamic aspects of the maintenance of balance.

2. Improvement in functional tests may indicate a better clinical outcome of rehabilitation in patients who have additionally trained in VR.

3. The improvement obtained in static tests most probably results from improvement in muscle strength and static stability resulting from the rehabilitation.