Virtual rehabilitation effectiveness in the body balance and motor skills of individuals with neuromotor deficit: a systematic review

[Renato Sobral Monteiro Junior]

The physical capabilities are reduced in individuals with neuromotor damage. The balance
and motor skills are aff ected by diseases in the nervous system. Virtual reality (VR) has been
used to balance recovery and motor function these individuals, but its eff ectiveness is not
fully known. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze studies that investigated the
eff ectiveness of virtual technology in the rehabilitation of the body balance and motor
skills of individuals with neuromotor defi cits. We included clinical trials and / or randomized
controlled trials published in English and Portuguese between 2001 and 2011, wich used
with VR exercises as therapy for individuals of both genders, aged 45 years or more with
neurological disorders. The following databases were consulted: Medline, BVS, SciELO and
PEDro. Studies found in the references were also considered for further reviews. The PEDro
scale was used to evaluate the scientifi c quality of articles. Studies with a minimum of 6 points
on this scale were included and analyzed, totalling of seven studies. The mean eff ect size for
the virtual rehabilitation body balance (0.50 ± 0.35) and motor skills (0.52 ± 0.34) were better
to other interventions (0.17 ± 0.16 and 0.25 ± 0.22 respectively). VR proved to be eff ective
in the rehabilitation of the body balance and motor skills of individuals with neuromotor
defi cits although the amount of evidence is still limited. Despite the positive eff ect shown
the method should still be used with care and also studied in subjects with other conditions.

Keywords: Rehabilitation; Physical exercise; Virtual technology.

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