Objective To investigate the impact of virtual reality combined with body weight-supported treadmill training on phantom limb pain, lower limb dynamics, gait stability, balance function, and quality of life in amputees.
Methods A prospective study enrolled 100 unilateral lower limb amputees as participants, who were randomly divided into experimental group (n=50) and control group (n=50). The experimental group received virtual reality combined with body weight-supported treadmill training, while the control group received conventional rehabilitation training. Outcomes, including phantom limb pain intensity Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) scores, lower limb dynamicsvertical ground reaction force (Fz), anteroposterior ground reaction force (Fy), joint moments, gait parameters, static balance (Berg Balance Scale score), dynamic balance (stability time, proportion of gait support time), quality of life 12-Item Short-form Health Survey (SF-12) score, and activities of daily livingModified Barthel Index (MBI) score were assessed before intervention and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-intervention.
Results At 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower VAS and DN4 scores compared to baseline and the control group (P < 0.05). Gait speed, stride length, cadence, stance time, Berg Balance Scale score, stability time, and proportion of gait support time improved in the experimental group compared to baseline and the control group (P < 0.05). SF-12 score, MBI score, peak Fz, peak Fy, knee flexion moment, ankle abduction moment, and stance phase proportion also increased significantly in the experimental group compared to baseline and the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Virtual reality combined with body weight-supported treadmill training effectively alleviates phantom limb pain, improves lower limb dynamics, gait stability, and balance function, and enhances quality of life in amputees.
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