To determine the added value of integrating virtual reality therapy (VRT) based balance training into conventional therapy (CT) for improving balance and gait in subacute stroke patients, and to evaluate the usability and patient satisfaction associated with the VRT based intervention, stroke patients will be recruited in the Neurorehabilitation Department of Erasme University Hospital.
Patients will be randomized to a group performing only CT (CT group) and a group in which 20% of the daily CT was replaced by VRT involving standing balance exercises performed with an immersive headset (VRT group). Functional ambulation classification (FAC), gait speed and step length on 10 meters walking test (10MWT), walking distance on 2 minutes walking test (2MWT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be assessed at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1). Sensory reweighting in the VRT group will also be evaluated through the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) at T0 and T1. Usability of the VR system and patient satisfaction associated with virtual reality will be assessed at T1 in the VRT group through a questionary.