The Impact of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation on Improving Balance and Mobility in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the potential impact of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation on improving balance and mobility in stroke survivors through a randomized controlled trial. Stroke survivors often experience significant impairments in balance and mobility, leading to reduced quality of life and increased risk of falls. Traditional rehabilitation methods have shown some effectiveness in addressing these impairments, but emerging evidence suggests that VR-based interventions could offer additional benefits. This study aims to explore whether VR rehabilitation can lead to greater improvements in balance and mobility compared to conventional therapy in stroke survivors. The research methodology involves recruiting a sample of stroke survivors and randomly assigning them to either a VR rehabilitation group or a conventional therapy group. The VR rehabilitation group will engage in immersive VR exercises targeting balance and mobility, while the conventional therapy group will receive standard physical therapy sessions. Various outcome measures, including balance assessments, gait analysis, and quality of life surveys, will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of existing research on VR rehabilitation and its applications in stroke rehabilitation. Key topics include the benefits of VR technology, principles of motor learning in rehabilitation, and the potential mechanisms through which VR interventions can enhance balance and mobility outcomes in stroke survivors. Findings from the study are expected to shed light on the efficacy of VR rehabilitation in improving balance and mobility in stroke survivors. The discussion will explore the implications of the results, potential challenges in implementing VR interventions in clinical settings, and recommendations for future research. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of VR technology as a promising tool for enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in stroke survivors.