Effects of virtual reality and motor imagery techniques using Fugl Meyer Assessment scale in post-stroke patients

Abstract

Background/Aims:To compare the effects of motor imagery and virtual reality techniques through the Fugl Meyer Assessment scale in post-stroke individuals.Methods:The volunteers were allocated into three groups: control group without intervention, but receiving conventional therapy (control group); a group that received a motor imagery programme (motor imagery group); and a group that received a virtual reality programme (virtual reality group). The Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Scale was the evaluation method adopted.Findings:There were significant differences between the motor imagery group programme intragroup comparison (P=0.005) and the virtual reality group intragroup comparison (P=0.000). There was no significant difference between the control group intragroup comparison (P=0.160), between the intergroup comparisons in the control group and the motor imagery group (P=0.163), and the intergroup comparisons between the motor imagery group and the virtual reality group (P=0.689). There was statistical significance for the intergroup comparison of the control group and the virtual reality group (P=0.031).Conclusions:Motor imagery and virtual reality are both able to increase motor function through the Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Scale. Virtual reality has not proved to be more effective than motor imagery. Virtual reality might be more effective than conventional therapy; however, further studies with standardised protocols are necessary.