Effect of Virtual Reality Training Using Leap Motion Controller on Impairments and Disability in Patients with Wrist and Hand Stiffness

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) training targets not only the musculoskeletal, but also theneurological system and has been successfully used in neurological rehabilitation. Our objective was to testwhether there are any benefits of adding VR training with conventional physiotherapy on impairments anddisability of wrist and hand stiffness, in patients with distal forearm fractures and early rheumatoid handaffection.Methodology: In this experimental study, 50 patients suffering from wrist and hand stiffness were alternatelyallocated into either Conventional physiotherapy group and VR with conventional physiotherapy group.Both the groups completed 8-12 training sessions over a period of 4 weeks comprising of similar protocol ofconventional physiotherapy with only the VR group receiving additional VR training. Patient was assessedon outcome measures pre and post treatment.Results: All the outcome measures showed significant improvement in both groups. On between groupcomparisons, the VR group showed significantly greater improvements on the outcome measures of gripstrength, dexterity (left hand and assembly), wrist flexion, ulnar deviation, forearm range of motion andwork component of Michigan Hand Questionnaire when compared to the conventional group. There wereno differences between groups on outcome measure of pain, wrist extension, wrist ulnar deviation and totaldisability score of Michigan Hand Questionnaire.Conclusion: We conclude that, adding virtual reality training to conventional physiotherapy has benefits onoutcome of grip strength, hand dexterity, work component of disability and direction specific improvementin the range of motion of wrist and forearm as compared to conventional physiotherapy alone.