ABSTRACT
Objective:
To assess the effectiveness of balance exercises by means of virtual reality games in Parkinson's disease.
Methods:
Sixteen patients were submitted to anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological and vestibular examinations, as well as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Berg Balance Scale, SF-36 questionnaire, and the SRT, applied before and after rehabilitation with virtual reality games.
Results:
Final scoring for the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Berg Balance Scale was better after rehabilitation. The SRT showed a significant result after rehabilitation. The SF-36 showed a significant change in the functional capacity for the Tightrope Walk and Ski Slalom virtual reality games (p < 0.05), as well as in the mental health aspect of the Ski Slalom game (p < 0.05). The Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Berg Balance Scale showed significant changes in the Ski Slalom game (p < 0.05). There was evidence of clinical improvement in patients in the final assessment after virtual rehabilitation.
Conclusion:
The Tightrope Walk and Ski Slalom virtual games were shown to be the most effective for this population.
Keywords:
Parkinson's disease; postural balance; quality of life; vestibular nuclei
