Effects of Virtual Reality and Cyclic Training on Balance

Stroke is the third leading cause of functional disability and death in the world. It leads to many problems that affect gait, upper extremity function and balance. In stroke patients balance dysfunction leads to impaired postural control and walking. Because of poor balance fall rate increases in stroke patients. Balance is an important predictor of outcome in stroke rehabilitation. After stroke difficulties in balance control may be caused by multiple factors such as muscle weakness, impaired proprioception, and asymmetry in weight wearing, spasticity and impaired motor control. Different means are used to treat stroke, some conventional treatments along with new adjunct therapies are usual practice for the rehabilitation of the stroke.

Virtual Reality is choice of adjunct therapy now a days and can be used in different ways for the rehabilitation. Virtual Reality or active video gaming proved their role as vital part of the treatment program in pediatric rehabilitation as well as adult rehabilitation program. These programs help the patient to achieve goals for functional and activities of daily living skills.