Efficacy of Immersive Virtual Reality Combined With Stationary Cycling on Gait in Individuals With Stroke

Efficacy of Immersive Virtual Reality Combined With Stationary Cycling on Gait in Individuals With Stroke

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether an intervention based on immersive virtual reality combined with stationary cycling, in addition to neurological physiotherapy, improves gait in individuals with stroke. The study will also assess the effects of this intervention on balance, coordination, motor function, muscle tone, and participants' and therapists' satisfaction.

The main questions this study aims to answer are:

• Does immersive virtual reality combined with stationary cycling improve gait compared with neurological physiotherapy alone?
• Does this combined intervention improve balance, coordination, motor function, and muscle tone in individuals with stroke?
• How do participants and therapists perceive the use of immersive virtual reality combined with stationary cycling during rehabilitation?

Researchers will compare a program that combines immersive virtual reality and stationary cycling with neurological physiotherapy to a neurological physiotherapy program alone.

Participants will:

• Take part in two intervention periods, with a total of 16 sessions over 8 weeks (two sessions per week).
• Receive intervention sessions that include immersive virtual reality combined with stationary cycling and neurological physiotherapy, or neurological physiotherapy alone, depending on the intervention period.
• Complete assessments of gait, balance, and motor function at baseline, after the first intervention period, and after the second intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women aged 18 years or older with a medically documented diagnosis of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke.
• At least 6 months post-stroke.
• Presence of hemiparesis.
• Mild to moderate balance impairment, defined as a Berg Balance Scale score < 50.
• Gait impairment, defined as a Wisconsin Gait Scale score > 20.
• Preserved active movement in the lower limbs and ability to mount and remain seated on the stationary bicycle.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cardiac conditions.
• Visual or auditory impairments limiting the use of virtual reality head-mounted displays.
• Medical history of epilepsy.
• Severe attentional impairment or inability to cooperate with the study intervention.
• Severe cognitive impairment and marked difficulties in comprehension.
• Severe vestibular disorders and predisposition to dizziness or vomiting.