Cunha, MaraSimões De Almeida, RaquelFernandes, ÂngelaMarques, António2024-01-052024-01-052021-03-29Cunha, M., de Almeida, R. S., Fernandes, Â., & Marques, A. (2021). Virtual Reality to Improve Postural Control in Patients with Schizophrenia: Study Protocol for a Single-Blind Parallel Group Randomised Controlled Trial. Em Á. Rocha, H. Adeli, G. Dzemyda, F. Moreira, & A. M. Ramalho Correia (Eds.), Trends and Applications in Information Systems and Technologies (pp. 384–400). Springer International Publishing.978-3-030-72653-9; eISBN 978-3-030-72654-6http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/24409Impairment in postural control is prevalent in patients with schizophrenia, and often limit occupational performance. Virtual reality (VR) has proven its benefits for improving postural control and among schizophrenia population. Remarkably, the effectiveness of a VR game-based intervention on postural control in this population has never been evaluated. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects and impact of VR on postural control parameters in patients with schizophrenia. This is a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. Thirty-four patients with schizophrenia are randomly assigned to the virtual reality group (VR) or the inactive control group (CG). The intervention consists of 3 30 min sessions for 4 weeks. Assessments are performed at baseline, post-intervention and 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome is postural control. The center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions are measured by PhyisoSensing pressure platform. This study protocol comprises parameters that are thought to be crucial to the success of the intervention. There are used objective and quantitative measures to evaluate the outcomes for effectively plan postural control interventions in schizophrenia with more reliable and valid results. The results of the study will be useful to clarify the effect of VR on postural control in patients with schizophrenia and provide insight into the validity of this approach as an intervention technique. It is expected that the results confirm the positive findings supporting the therapeutic prospects of VR.engVirtual realityPostural controlSchizophreniaPhysical rehabilitationbook part10.1007/978-3-030-72654-6_38