Efeitos do treino de realidade virtual na marcha e equilíbrio de indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative and slow-progressing disease that affects structures of the central nervous system. Symptoms include motor aspects such as changes in gait and balance. These changes are associated with an increased risk of falls, mortality and dependence. Virtual reality is a viable, well-accepted and safe intervention for this population, with the potential to improve structure and function, activity and participation, being an alternative to conventional physical therapy. Objective: To review the literature evidence on the effects of the use of virtual reality in balance and gait of individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Methodology: Electronic searches were carried out in the databases PUBMed, Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Latin American and Caribbean Heath Science Literature (LILACS). Results: Seven clinical trials were included in this review. All 7 selected studies showed positive significant effects on gait or balance in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, and two of them investigated the effects of virtual reality associated with other interventions. The scores of the studies on the PEDro scale ranged from 5 to 7 points. Conclusion: Virtual reality training is effective and can be an alternative for the treatment of gait and balance in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. However, further studies with larger samples, with longer follow-up period and with different protocols and interfaces are still needed.