Effectiveness of virtual reality based aerobic exercise on walking endurance, gait kinematics, and function in patients with chronic stroke: A double blinded randomized controlled trial

Purpose. To investigate how Wii Fit Plus aerobic exercise is feasible and effective for improving gait, function, and walking endurance in chronic stroke patients. Methods. Twenty-six patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 13) received conventional treatment in addition to aerobic activities according to the Wii Fit Plus system, whereas the control group (n = 13) received conventional treatment alone. The duration of each session in both groups was approximately 60 minutes, and three sessions were held weekly for eight weeks. The baseline and post-intervention evaluations included the six-minute walk test, gait parameters measured using the Biodex Gait Trainer, and daily activities measured using the Functional Independence Measure. Results. Compared with those in the control group, gait parameters of the experimental group, including step length of paretic and non-paretic limbs, speed, step cycle, and weight-bearing time over the paretic limb, showed significant improvement (P < 0.05). Wii Fit Plus significantly increased walking endurance and overall function (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion. Virtual reality aerobic activities with Wii Fit Plus are a promising treatment option for improving gait parameters, endurance, and function in patients with chronic stroke.