Effectiveness of Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Meta-Analysis

Huu Lam Phan,Thi Huong Le,Kyo-In Koo,Jung Min Lim,Chang Ho Hwang

doi:10.3390/app12041848

Huu Lam Phan, Thi Huong Le + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app12041848

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Abstract

Augmented reality (AR)-based rehabilitation shows potential to improve upper and lower limb function after stroke. This study aims to review the effect of AR technology in the recovery of the upper and lower limb function in stroke patients. Published randomized controlled trials and observational investigations with adult stroke patients were retrieved from five electronic databases to analyze the effect of the AR systems in improving motor function and balance and gait function for stroke patients. The treatment effect was estimated by standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random effect model for motor function outcomes at the body structure and function, body activity and participation level of the International Classification of Functioning, and balance and gait outcomes. In total, 13 investigations (9 for the upper limb and 4 for the lower limb) were identified. AR demonstrated a significant influence on the upper limb function (SMD = 0.657; 95% CI, 0.287 to 1.026; p = 0.000) and the lower limb function (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.039 to 1.001; p = 0.034). The present analysis suggests that AR applications could offer options for increasing treatment intensity and promoting motor recovery after a stroke. This approach can be used with the conventional rehabilitation methods as a new intervention for recovering upper and lower limb function.

Highlights

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and poor quality of life [1,2]
We suggest that this approach can be used with the conventional rehabilitation methods as a new intervention to enhance upper limb function
The present analysis suggests that Augmented reality (AR) applications could offer options for increasing treatment intensity and promoting motor recovery after a stroke

Summary

Introduction

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and poor quality of life [1,2]. Because the upper limbs (ULs) and lower limbs (LLs) are involved in the majority of daily living activities, it is necessary to improve ULs and LLs’ functional utilization after stroke. To enhance their quality of life, rehabilitation plays a key role in the recovery of function for the patients [2,4]. Majority of the traditional systems presented to improve activities of daily living performance and increase patients’ independence [11,12]. These methods are becoming more and more expensive because they require one-to-one therapist–patient activity. Treatment data are not collected because simple exercising devices are designed with no sensors

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