Virtual Reality Intervention and Its Impact on Upper Extremity Function in the Stroke Population: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often affecting upper extremity (UE) function.
• Traditional rehabilitation methods may have limitations in engagement and efficacy for UE recovery.
• Virtual reality (VR) presents a novel approach to enhance rehabilitation experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of virtual reality (VR) interventions for stroke rehabilitation.
• To examine the effects of VR on functional outcomes, particularly upper extremity (UE) use.
• To identify common themes and outcomes associated with VR intervention (VRI) in post-stroke individuals.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Twenty-six relevant articles were systematically selected for inclusion.
• Thematic analysis was used to extract and synthesize data on VRIs and UE outcomes.

Main Results:

• Positive changes in upper extremity function (UEfxn) were observed across multiple studies.
• VR interventions demonstrated potential as an effective technique for post-stroke recovery.
• Common themes related to VRIs and their impact on UE outcomes were identified.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality technology appears to be a beneficial intervention for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients.
• Further research is encouraged to explore the full potential of VR for stroke recovery.
• Clinicians should consider VR as a viable option for enhancing UE function post-stroke.