ABSTRACT

Aim: This study finds the effectiveness of virtual reality versus conventional training on improving upper limb functional activities in post stroke patients. Background: In recent years, efforts have been made to implement virtual reality (VR) to support the delivery of post stroke upper extremity motor rehabilitation exercises as the existing research evidence. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of using VR supported exercise therapy showed significant improvement than conventional training for upper extremity task specific motor rehabilitation in patients with stroke. Methods: Changes in outcomes related to impairments in upper extremity functions and structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in life situations from baseline to after intervention, follow-up assessment were examined. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine thedifferences in treatment outcomes depended on age, stroke recovery stage, VR program type, therapy delivery format, similarities in intervention duration between study groups, VR groups, and trial length. Results: 50 trials were analyzed. Compared with the control group conventional therapy, the intervention group VR supported exercise therapy shows significant improvements in upper extremity motor function. Conclusions: VR-supported upper extremity exercise therapy can be effective in improving motor rehabilitation. Review showed that 12 rehabilitation outcomes examined during the course of VR-based therapy, significant improvements were detected in 2 (upper extremity motor function and range of motion), and both significant and non-significant improvements were observed in another 2 (muscle strength and independence in day-to-day activities), depending on the measurement tools or methods used. Keywords: VR-supported upper extremity ADL facilitation
Publication date: 01/11/2025

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/November/MS_IJBPAS_2025_10311.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.11.10311