Effect of virtual reality-based functional treadmill training on gait parameters in young ischaemic stroke survivors: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Ischaemic stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and is commonly associated with gait impairments that reduce functional independence and quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation often provides limited continued gait training after discharge. Virtual reality (VR)-based functional treadmill training offers immersive, task-specific practice and can enhance recovery. Objective: To investigate the effect of VR-based functional treadmill training on spatiotemporal gait parameters in young individuals with ischaemic stroke. A randomised controlled trial was conducted on 28 patients with subacute ischaemic stroke (aged 35–45 years), randomly assigned to two equal groups. The study group received VR-based treadmill training plus conventional therapy, while the control group received conventional rehabilitation including treadmill training. The intervention lasted 6 weeks. Gait velocity was the primary outcome, and other spatiotemporal gait parameters were secondary outcomes. Assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention using the Tekscan HR Walkway system. The study group showed greater improvement in gait velocity than the control group (1.36 ± 0.27 vs. 1.28 ± 0.20 m/s, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.26). Step time decreased significantly (484.47 ± 18.05 vs. 544.47 ± 34.97 ms, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.47), as did swing time (0.36 ± 0.01 vs. 0.37 ± 0.02 s, p = 0.013, η2 = 0.20). Stride length increased significantly (1.37 ± 0.07 vs. 1.35 ± 0.08 m, p = 0.029, η2 = 0.16). No significant difference was found in stride time (p = 0.377). VR-based treadmill training improved several spatiotemporal gait parameters compared with conventional therapy in young stroke survivors. The findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size and the short study duration.