Effects of Virtual Reality Versus Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Mostafa S Ali, Mahmoud Usama
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In 30 seconds
This assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compared virtual reality (VR) with whole-body vibration (WBV) as additions to structured physical therapy in 50 ambulatory boys aged 6–10 years with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After 12 weeks, the VR group had significantly greater improvements than the WBV group in both quadriceps strength measures and all three balance indices (each comparison p < 0.001). The study reports a significant treatment-by-time interaction (F = 22.31, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.85); no adverse events were reported.
Key findings
- At 12 weeks, VR produced greater right and left quadriceps strength improvements than WBV (both p < 0.001).
- VR also yielded greater improvements than WBV in OSI, APSI, and MLSI at 12 weeks (all p < 0.001).
- The treatment-by-time interaction was significant (F = 22.31, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.85); no adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
Quadriceps strength and postural stability are relevant physical outcomes in ambulatory children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This trial suggests that adding a VR-based activity to a structured therapy programme may improve these measured outcomes more than adding WBV over 12 weeks. The findings provide comparative evidence for these adjuncts, while not establishing effects on broader functional outcomes or longer-term disease course.
What to keep in mind
The study included only ambulatory boys aged 6–10 years at one outpatient clinic, and follow-up lasted 12 weeks. Functional outcomes and longer-term effects were not assessed.