A digital exercise and augmented reality training system improved mobility among stroke patients: A randomized control trial

BACKGROUND: The Selfit system was developed to improve the mobility and gait-related functions of stroke patients by providing digital exercises and augmented reality training system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a digital exercise and augmented reality training system on mobility, gait-related functions and self-efficacy outcomes in stroke patients. METHODS: A randomized control trial was conducted on 25 men and women diagnosed with an early sub-acute stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention (N = 11) or the control groups (N = 14). Patients in the intervention group received a digital exercise and augmented reality training using the Selfit system in addition to the standard physical therapy treatment. Patients in the control group were treated with a conventional physical therapy program. Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 10-meter walk test, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale were completed before and after the intervention. Feasibility and satisfaction among patients and therapists were also assessed after the completion of the study. RESULTS: The intervention group practiced proportionally more time per session than the control group with a mean change of 19.7% following 6 sessions (p = 0.002). The intervention group showed better improvement in post-TUG score compared to the control group (p = 0.04). ABC, DGI, and the 10-meter walk test scores were not significantly different between the groups. Both therapists and participants demonstrated high satisfaction with the Selfit system. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that Selfit holds promise as an effective intervention for improving mobility and gait-related functions among patients with an early sub-acute stroke as compared to conventional physical therapy treatments.