The Role of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Motor Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Quantitative Study

Authors: Munirah M. Alfawzan, Dona A. Alturaif, Sara J. Alharbi, Aljaoharah S. Aldhubaiban

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13335577

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gt69x6

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation on motor function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 PD patients, who were assigned to either a VR rehabilitation group (n=10) or a traditional physical therapy control group (n=10). The VR intervention consisted of 30-minute sessions, three times per week for 12 weeks, using a commercially available VR system. Motor function was assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III, and quality of life was measured with the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results: The VR group exhibited significant improvements in UPDRS Part III scores (27.5 ± 6.2) compared to the control group (31.5 ± 9.0) at 12 weeks (p = 0.03). Additionally, the VR group showed a greater reduction in PDQ-39 total scores (37.8 ± 9.5) compared to the control group (43.5 ± 12.1) (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: VR rehabilitation significantly enhances motor function and quality of life in PD patients compared to traditional physical therapy. The interactive and engaging nature of VR may contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, Parkinson's Disease, Motor Function, Quality of Life, Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial

Paper Id: 231027

Published On: 2021-05-04

Published In: Volume 9, Issue 3, May-June 2021

Cite This: The Role of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Motor Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Quantitative Study - Munirah M. Alfawzan, Dona A. Alturaif, Sara J. Alharbi, Aljaoharah S. Aldhubaiban - IJIRMPS Volume 9, Issue 3, May-June 2021. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13335577

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