Virtual reality tools for post-stroke balance rehabilitation: a review and a solution proposal

Abstract

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults, giving rise to balance loss. Virtual reality (VR)-based tools can complement conventional therapy, accelerating post-stroke balance recovery by evolving the patients in an immersive and enthusiastic environment for balance training. This work aims to review the specifications of VR-based tools regarding the VR technology, embedded sensors, motor tasks, virtual challenges, and control strategies for post-stroke balance rehabilitation and to present a solution proposal to tackle current issues on this topic. This review selected 21 articles from the Scopus database. The results show that screens are the most used VR technology, combined or not with auditory and vibrotactile feedback. Cameras and balance boards/platforms are integrated into VR for real-time feedback of the patients' motion. Treadmill walking, weight shifting/bearing, pelvic/hip movements are the most common motor tasks for balance training. Future research may explore the use of wearable sensors and the user-centered design of closed-loop control strategies and virtual challenges for personalized balance training.