EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY–BASED BALANCE TRAINING VERSUS CONVENTIONAL BALANCE TRAINING IN PATIENTS AFTER ANKLE FRACTURE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Post immobilization joint stiffness, muscle atrophy and proprioceptive deficits affecting static and dynamic balance are common sequelae of ankle fractures.

Objective: To compare VR-guided and conventional balance exercises for improving postural stability, dynamic balance and ankle dorsiflexion in people recovering from immobilized ankle fractures.

Methodology: A single-blinded RCT included 22 adults 11 in each group recovering from medically stabilized ankle fractures. Participants received either 30 minutes of VR-based postural and gamified balance training or conventional balance exercises, 3–5 days per week for 6–8 weeks. Balance and ankle mobility were assessed before and after treatment using the BBS, SEBT, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results: The VR group showed greater improvements in balance, reach distance, and ankle dorsiflexion than the conventional therapy group. Both groups were comparable at baseline, with no significant pre-intervention differences (p > 0.05).The VR group achieved higher post-intervention mean scores for BBS (51.91 ± 3.239), SEBT posteromedial reach (85.50 ± 4.6763), SEBT composite score (82.36% ± 3.9795), and ankle dorsiflexion ROM (17.18° ± 2.183°) compared with the conventional therapy group which recorded BBS 42.36 ± 3.585, SEBT posteromedial reach 71.78 ± 4.3575 SEBT composite score 69.04 ± 3.9026, and ROM 12.64° ± 1.502°.

Conclusion: VR-based postural rehabilitation can improve static and dynamic balance, postural control and ankle dorsiflexion after ankle fracture immobilization. Using real-time visual feedback and engaging games may support better functional recovery than traditional exercises.