Visuo-Vestibular VR-based Stimulation Effects on Balance and Gait in Stroke Survivors

"The Real Visual-Vestibular Rehabilitation protocol will consist of specific exercises aimed at stimulating the visuo-vestibular function within immersive virtual reality environments replicating daily life situations. Patients will perform exercises in two types of contexts. In all exercises, patients will be free to move within a room large enough to complete the tasks. Walking during the exercises can also be performed with assistive devices, to make the context as close as possible to the patient's daily life. During the exercises, patients will be supervised by a physiotherapist specialized in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation.The protocol will last 20 minutes, with 10 minutes dedicated to each exercise."

"The Sham Vestibular Rehabilitation protocol will involve the use of the same immersive virtual reality contexts and will aim to achieve the same objectives as the Real Visual-Vestibular Rehabilitation protocol, but without the unexpected stimuli. In both exercises, patients will be free to move within a room large enough to complete the tasks. Walking during the session can also be performed with assistive devices, to make the context as close as possible to the patient's daily life. During the exercises, patients will be supervised by a physiotherapist specialized in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation. The protocol will last 20 minutes, with 10 minutes dedicated to each exercise."