Le Grau Du Roi

Researchers are studying unilateral transtibial amputees undergoing rehabilitation to compare the effects of a virtual reality-based dynamic balance protocol against a conventional rehabilitation program. The goal is to see if virtual reality exercises can better improve dynamic balance during gait, which is important for recovering mobility and autonomy. This study focuses on amputees with various causes including vascular, traumatic, and septic etiologies, and uses objective assessments to track progress. Participants are assigned to either a progressive virtual reality rehabilitation protocol or a standard rehabilitation treadmill walking protocol. The virtual reality group performs exercises involving mechanical treadmill perturbations, interaction with virtual and augmented environments, and gait pattern modifications using visual and audio biofeedback. The standard group walks on a treadmill immersed in virtual reality without disturbances or prompts to change their walking pattern. The interventions occur during initial rehabilitation. During the study, participants' mediolateral stability during external perturbations is measured at the start and after 45 days of rehabilitation. Researchers monitor dynamic balance improvements using these objective tests. Participants must be able to walk five minutes on a treadmill without assistance and are assessed for factors affecting rehabilitation safety and effectiveness. The study ensures participant consent and health insurance coverage throughout the process.