Additional VR-based training improves upper extremity functions in subacute stroke patients: a single-blinded...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Medical Technology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of global disability, with upper extremity paresis affecting over half of survivors.
• Early and intensive therapy is crucial for stroke recovery, especially in the sub-acute stage.
• Conventional therapy (CT) effectiveness can be augmented by innovative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of adding virtual reality (VR) based training to conventional therapy (CT) for improving upper extremity function in subacute stroke patients.
• To assess the impact of VR on motor recovery and functional independence.
• To determine if VR training offers benefits beyond standard rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-blinded study involving pairwise-matched subacute stroke patients with arm paresis.
• Two groups: conventional therapy (CT) and conventional therapy plus virtual reality (CT+VR).
• Both groups received 4 weeks of therapy (3-4 days/week); CT+VR group had additional 3 weekly VR sessions for upper extremity training. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer test (FME), Box-and-Block test, hand dynamometry, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM).

Main Results:

• The CT+VR group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in upper extremity function as measured by the Fugl-Meyer test (FME) (p=0.009).
• Patients in the CT+VR group also showed significantly enhanced functional independence (FIM) compared to the CT group (p<0.001).
• No significant differences were observed in other assessed parameters between the groups.

Conclusions:

• An additional immersive VR-based training program is beneficial for stroke patients with upper extremity deficits.
• The principle of specificity was noted, with improvements primarily in functions trained via VR.
• Larger sample studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore broader applications of VR in stroke rehabilitation.