Evaluate the effects of motor control in spinal cord injury patients through virtual reality exercises

Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often result in significant motor impairments, limiting patients ability to perform daily activities independently. Traditional rehabilitation approaches have shown effectiveness but often lack engagement and specificity in targeting motor control deficits. Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), offer promising avenues for enhancing motor rehabilitation in SCI patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a virtual reality-based exercise program on motor control in SCI patients, focusing on improvements in upper extremity function, trunk control, balance, and spasticity. Methods: This pre-post experimental study was conducted at the Neuro Physiotherapy Department of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam College of Physiotherapy, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Ahmednagar. A total of 15 participants with incomplete SCI, aged 20-65 years, were selected using convenient sampling. Participants underwent VR training for 30 minutes daily along with 3 hours of daily therapeutic exercises for four weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Voluntary Motor Control Grading Scale (VMCGS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA), Modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures post-intervention. The mean score for VMCGS increased from 2.066 ± 0.7988 to 4.066 ± 0.7988 (p < 0.0001), indicating enhanced upper extremity motor control. The mean score for FMA improved from 14.733 ± 3.01 to 23.333 ± 3.754 (p < 0.0001), reflecting better motor function. The mean score for mFRT increased from 17.133 ± 1.187 to 23.266 ± 1.751 (p < 0.0001), indicating significant gains in balance and trunk stability. The mean score for MAS decreased from 2.933 ± 0.7988 to 1.933 ± 0.7988 (p = 0.0019), showing a reduction in spasticity. Conclusion: This study concludes that VR-based exercise programs can significantly enhance motor control, balance, and spasticity in SCI patients. The interactive and engaging nature of VR therapy provides an effective and motivating approach to rehabilitation, complementing conventional techniques. These findings suggest that integrating VR technology into clinical practice can improve the quality of care and outcomes for SCI patients.