Comparıson Of The Effects Of Vırtual Realıty-Based Walkıng Exercıse And Treadmıll Exercıse On Balance, Fear Of Fallıng, Motor And Respıratory Functıons, And Fatıgue In Patıents Wıth Chronıc Stroke

This research will be conducted to determine the degree of difference between virtual reality-based walking exercises and treadmill walking exercises in individuals who have had a stroke, when comparing their effects on balance, fear of falling, motor function, respiratory function, and fatigue.

In this study, the data collection process will begin after participants sign a voluntary consent form. Following consent, a structured sociodemographic data form will be completed using face-to-face interviews to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. This form will record information such as gender, age, height, and weight.

The Mini Mental State Test will be used to assess eligibility for inclusion in the study. The Mini Mental State Test is a widely used, quick, and standardized measurement tool for assessing individuals' cognitive levels. The test covers different cognitive domains such as attention, memory, orientation, compliance with verbal and written instructions, copying complex shapes, and spontaneous sentence writing. The highest possible score on the test is 30, and cognitive levels are classified as low, medium, or high based on the scores obtained. The Turkish adaptation of the test will be used in this study.

Participants' respiratory functions will be assessed using a spirometer and a Pulmonary Function Test. Measurements will be administered before and after treatment, both assessment times, by the same researcher. Tests will be conducted in accordance with internationally accepted criteria for admissibility and reproducibility, and the test will be repeated until at least three valid results are obtained for each measurement. Individual characteristics of participants, such as age, gender, height, and body weight, will be considered in the evaluation of measurement results. Respiratory parameters to be recorded will include: forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, the ratio between these two parameters, peak expiratory flow, mid-expiratory flow rate, maximum voluntary ventilation, and vital capacity values.

To assess respiratory muscle strength, maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure measurements will be taken using an intraoral pressure measuring device. Measurements will be performed according to a standard measurement protocol. During maximum inspiratory pressure measurement, the participant will be in an upright seated position, a nasal clip will be used to prevent air passage through the nose, and the mouthpiece will be positioned to prevent air leakage. The participant will be asked to perform a maximum inspiration lasting at least 1.5 seconds after maximum expiration. The measurement will be repeated three times, and the highest value obtained will be recorded. Results will be expressed in centimeters of water pressure.