Title : Virtual Reality (VR) environment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) physiological and biomechanical balance response: A cross-sectional observational experimental study
Abstract:
Human balance is essential for maintaining overall health and functional independence, particularly in populations with neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As MS progresses, individuals often experience deteriorating balance, leading to increased falls and fear of falling. Virtual reality (VR) technologies offer promising avenues for assessing balance in controlled environments that simulate real-life scenarios, allowing for detailed investigation of balance dynamics under various conditions. This study aims to assess balance control mechanisms in individuals with MS using VR, comparing these mechanisms with those observed in healthy controls and traditional assessment settings. An empirical approach will be adopted, collecting primary data through detailed observations, physiological and biomechanical evaluations of balance, and rigorous data analysis. The VR environment will be designed to manipulate sensory and cognitive loads, providing insights into how these factors impact balance control among MS patients compared to healthy individuals. Initial reviews suggest high variability in balance responses among MS patients, indicating complex underlying mechanisms of balance dysfunction specific to MS progression. This study anticipates generating detailed data on the effectiveness of VR as a diagnostic tool, comparing it with traditional balance assessments to highlight distinct advantages or limitations. Findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of balance issues in MS, potentially informing future interventions and enhancing personalized treatment strategies to improve long-term outcomes in MS rehabilitation.
