Feasibility and Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Game-Based Upper Extremity Motor Function Rehabilitation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study.

Ángela Aguilera-Rubio,Ana Mallo-López,Edwin Daniel Oña-Simbaña,Isabel Mª Alguacil-Diego,Alberto Jardón-Huete,Alicia Cuesta-Gómez

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063381

Abstract

Background: The objective of the present study was to develop a virtual reality protocol based on activities of daily living and conventional rehabilitation, using Leap Motion Controller to improve motor function in upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. At the same time, the purpose was to explore its efficacy in the recovery of upper extremity motor function in chronic stroke survivors, and to determine feasibility, satisfaction and attendance rate; Methods: A prospective pilot experimental clinical trial was conducted. The outcome measures used were the grip strength, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Block and Box Test (BBT), the Short Form Health Survey-36 Questionnaire, a satisfaction questionnaire and attendance rate; Results: Our results showed statistically significant changes in the variables grip strength, BBT and ARAT as well as high levels of satisfaction and attendance; Conclusions: This virtual reality platform represents an effective tool in aspects of upper extremity functionality rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke, demonstrating feasibility and high levels of attendance and satisfaction.

Highlights

Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults
Significant improvements were observed on the grip strength (p = 0.005), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) total (p = 0.028) and the Block and Box Test (BBT) (p = 0.011)
The aim of the present study was to develop a virtual reality (VR) protocol with games designed ad hoc with the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) device to improve the functionality of the upper extremity (UE) in patients with chronic stroke

Summary

Introduction

Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults. It is a pathology that implies a health, personal, family and social burden due to its impact on the lives of the people who suffer from it and their caregivers [1].The involvement of the upper extremity (UE) appears in up to 85% of patients who survive a stroke, affecting their quality of life [2]. The recovery of the motor function of the UE is essential in the development of ADLs, but it is the origin of the difficulty of their recovery, as many of these activities require the coordinated use of both hands [3]. Rehabilitation treatment after a stroke often requires a long period of time, in some cases even a lifetime, and motivation plays a key role in this process. This motivation is the most important factor in terms of treatment effect in stroke patients, so treatment effects depend on the efforts of doctors and therapists, and on the patient’s active

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Discussion

Conclusion