Seated Virtual Reality-Guided Exercise Improved Gait in a Postoperative Hallux Valgus Case

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR)-guided exercise therapy using mediVR KAGURA has been reported to improve gait function by extending the arm to spatial targets while sitting. We aimed to investigate toe and trunk–pelvic function and plantar sensation during gait in a postoperative patient with hallux valgus. A 60-year-old woman, whose foot deformities had improved 6 months earlier, participated in the study. The exercise therapy interventions were performed twice weekly for 15 min. This study used an A-B-A design: 1-week pre-phase, 3-week intervention phase, and 2-week post-phase. The plantar pressure distribution and thoracic and pelvic displacements during gait were recorded at the end of each phase. The tactile pressure thresholds of the foot were determined before and after each exercise. The maximum force and impulse under the hallux increased after the intervention. The sensory threshold of the hallux was reduced. The amplitude of the thoracic and pelvic displacement was shortened in lateral and extended in the vertical and progressional directions after the intervention. We found that a 3-week VR-guided exercise improved toe function, plantar sensation, and postural adjustment of the trunk and pelvis during gait in a patient who had undergone surgery for hallux valgus, and the effects continued for 2 weeks.

Seated Virtual Reality-Guided Exercise Improved Gait in a Patient With Trunk Dysfunction Due to Hip Fracture: A Single-Case Design Study

“…Notably, no changes in the cross-sectional area of the trunk muscle, muscle thickness (Figure 4), or lower extremity function were observed over the entire period. The use of mediVR KAGURA improves gait speed without inducing any changes in lower limb muscle strength in patients with disuse syndrome [9] and reduces plantar sensation, as well as trunk sway, in patients with hallux valgus [10]. However, the effect of mediVR KAGURA among older adults with impaired trunk function after femoral neck fracture remains unclear.…”

“…The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise therapy has been reported in recent studies [ 8 ]. The beneficial effects of mediVR KAGURA® (mediVR, Inc., Osaka, Japan), which involves reaching exercises targeting the trunk muscles in a seated position, on gait function have been reported in patients with cerebrovascular disease and postoperative patients with hallux valgus who have difficulty maintaining a stable gait [ 9 , 10 ]. We discuss a case of a patient who showed improvement in independent gait following a physical therapy intervention using mediVR KAGURA®.…”

Analyzing muscle thickness changes in lateral abdominal muscles while exercising using virtual reality

“…Its effects include the extension of continuous walking distance in older patients with disuse muscle weakness after a 2-week intervention without an increase in lower limb muscle strength 2 ) . Additionally, studies have shown that it improves abnormal pelvic and trunk movements during walking after hallux valgus surgery 4 ) . Thus, VR-guided exercise improves gait function, despite being performed in a sitting position 2 , 4 ) .…”

“…Additionally, studies have shown that it improves abnormal pelvic and trunk movements during walking after hallux valgus surgery 4 ) . Thus, VR-guided exercise improves gait function, despite being performed in a sitting position 2 , 4 ) .…”