Virtual Rehabilitation of balance using Microsoft Kinect Sensor vs. Traditional Rehabilitation of Balance in stroke patients. A PseudoRandom Clinical Trial.

Patients are divided in two groups: TRAD (traditional rehabilitation of balance) and EPIK (virtual rehabilitation of balance). The "TRAD" group trains the balance using a traditional balance protocol of exercices that consists of 15 sessions along 6 weeks. Each session consist of 30 min. of balance training. In each session there are one patient an two therapists. One therapist trains the patient and the other supports the patient in their unbalance moments when they happen. It's very important for patiens to feel good and safe during the training session. Several destabilizing materials are used: exercise resistance band, mat, Fitball, Bosu, medicine balls, while patients perform the specific balance exercices. The EPIK group follows the same protocol but intercalates balance exercices using a virtual game that uses the Microsoft Kinect Sensor as a movement capture system (MoCaps). About 50% of the 30 min. of the session, the patients are interacting with the virtual game. It is not applicable the use of strategies to monitor adherence.