Immediate Effect of an Intervention Using a Head-mounted Display with a Modified Pitch Angle on Spatial Awareness and Standing Balance in Stroke Hemiparesis.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the effect of an intervention using a head-mounted display with a web camera set at a modified pitch angle on spatial awareness, sit-to-stand movement, and standing balance in patients with left and right hemisphere damage.

METHODS

The participants were 12 patients with right hemisphere damage and 12 patients with left hemisphere damage. The line bisection test, a sit-to-stand movement, and balance assessment were performed before and after the intervention. The intervention task involved pointing at targets 48 times in an upward bias condition.

RESULTS

Significant upward deviation on the line bisection test was noted in patients with right hemisphere damage. The load on the forefoot during the sit-to-stand movement was significantly increased. The range of anterior-posterior sway during forward movement in the balance assessment was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

An adaptation task performed in an upward bias condition may produce an immediate effect on upward localization, sit-to-stand movement, and balance performance in patients with right hemisphere stroke.