Abstract
Background: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) have an adverse effect on strength, balance, and gait, resulting in a number of functional ambulation deficits. Previous studies indicate that with consistent gait training, participants effectively increase gait velocity, as well as gait assessment functional outcome scores. Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of treadmill gait training with virtual reality (VR) on the functional recovery of gait in a participant affected by chronic CVA. VR is a computer-simulated, interactive, multi-dimensional environment. The purpose of the VR is to provide normal visual flow (optic flow) while walking in a controlled environment (on a treadmill). Methods: The participant was a 24-year old female who was 13 months post stroke. She participated in the study for 21 sessions over 14 weeks. She went through four sessions of initial assessments followed by gait training sessions and finally two follow up assessments to track changes in her gait. An Oculus head mounted stereoscopic display provided optic flow in the form of virtual environments during gait training on a modified belt-driven treadmill. Physical Therapy students provided facilitation to the participant while gait training on the treadmill with a goal of 30 minutes of continuous ambulation. Data Analysis: The outcomes of the gait training method that were assessed included: motion capture via Qualisys camera system, the Functional Gait Assessment, and the 6-Minute Walk Test. Minimal detectable change, percent changes, and Pearson Correlation Coefficients were calculated to assess significance. Results: The study found improved gait velocity, step length, stride length, cadence, FGA scores, & 6MWT scores throughout the study and also after the intervention ceased. Conclusion: The findings of the study show promise in the integration of virtual reality with treadmill gait training for rehabilitative purposes. However, the results cannot be generalized to larger populations until further research is completed.