Virtual Reality for Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Virtual reality and interactive video gaming have emerged as new treatment approaches in stroke rehabilitation. These approaches may be advantageous because they provide the opportunity to practice activities that are not or cannot be practiced within the clinical environment. Furthermore, virtual reality programs are often designed to be more interesting and enjoyable than traditional therapy tasks, thereby encouraging higher numbers of repetitions. The use of specialized virtual reality programs designed for rehabilitation is not yet commonplace in clinical settings. However, gaming consoles are ubiquitous. The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effects of virtual reality and interactive video gaming compared with an alternative intervention or no intervention on upper limb, lower limb, and global motor function after stroke. Secondary outcomes included activity limitation and adverse events. We also explored feasibility of the approach by examining recruitment rates. ### Search Strategy We searched the Cochrane Stroke Trials Register (March 2010), the …