Additional Effects of Xbox Kinect Training on Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Control...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Virtual Reality in Medicine
• Motor Recovery

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) using Xbox Kinect offers a novel therapeutic approach for rehabilitation.
• Its application is encouraged in the stroke rehabilitation of upper extremities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the additional effects of Xbox Kinect training combined with routine physiotherapy.
• To assess the impact on Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) components.
• To evaluate the effect of upper limb rehabilitation on cognitive functions.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-arm randomized controlled trial involving 56 participants.
• Participants were allocated to either an Xbox Kinect training group (XKGT) or an exercise training group (ETG).
• Outcome measures included FMA-UE, Box and Block Test (BBT), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) at baseline and 6 weeks.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in FMA-UE and BBT from pre- to post-intervention.
• No significant differences in MOCA scores were observed between groups.
• The Xbox Kinect training group demonstrated significant advantages in FMA-UE total score, volitional movement, wrist, hand, grasp, and coordination/speed at 6 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Xbox Kinect-based upper limb rehabilitation training, as an adjunct to conventional therapy, shows significant potential.
• It enhances upper limb motor function in stroke patients.
• Repetitive use of the hemiparetic upper extremity via VR training is beneficial.