@article{ref1,
title="Efficacy of electrical stimulation-augmented virtual reality training in improving balance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: study protocol of a  randomized controlled trial",
journal="Asian spine journal",
year="2020",
author="Walia, Shefali and Kataria, Chitra and Kumar, Pragya",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="STUDY DESIGN: This study is a single-blind, parallel, three-group, and randomized controlled trial. <br><br>PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of  electrical stimulation-augmented virtual reality training in improving balance in  individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE:  Individuals with iSCI often face significant balance and mobility impairments  affecting their quality of life. Scientific studies focusing on standing balance  training in the iSCI population are limited. Virtual reality-based balance training  has shown positive results in several neurological populations. Electrical  stimulation has also proved to be effective in improving voluntary muscle strength  in partially paralyzed muscles after iSCI as well as promoting neuroplasticity. <br><br>METHODS: Forty-eight iSCI participants will be recruited based on the inclusion  criteria. The participants will be randomly assigned to any of the three groups:  virtual reality-based balance training along with the electrical stimulation group,  virtual reality-based balance training along with sham stimulation group, or virtual  reality-based balance training group. The intervention will be delivered as  60-minute sessions, thrice a week for 4 weeks. <br><br>RESULTS: The performance of the  participants will be assessed using the lower extremity motor score, static and  dynamic balance assessment using TechnoBody ProKin tilting platform and Berg Balance  Scale, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, and World Health Organization Quality  of Life-BREF at pre-intervention, after 4 weeks post-intervention, and at 1-month  follow-up. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The trial will provide new knowledge about the effectiveness  of electrical stimulation-augmented virtual reality training in improving balance in  individuals with iSCI. The study results will contribute to the design of better  rehabilitation programs for individuals with iSCI.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1976-1902",
doi="10.31616/asj.2020.0047",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.31616/asj.2020.0047"
}