The effects of non-immersive virtual reality rehabilitation on upper extremity function and range of motion in patients with stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Common effects on the Upper Extremity (UE) after stroke include the loss of function and range of motion (ROM) which affects overall patient quality of life (QoL). Virtual Reality (VR) has recently been introduced to physiotherapy, allowing the patient to perform the intensive and repetitive movements required in UE rehabilitation. This study aims to explore the effects of non-immersive VR rehabilitation on UE function and ROM in patients with stroke. Method: This study adopted a single-case experimental design. The participant, who experienced a stroke, was initially measured for baseline data in UE function using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and ROM using the ROM tool embedded in the Medical Interactive Recovery Assistant (MIRA©) Rehab software. An hour of VR training three times a week was administered for four weeks (12 sessions) in addition to conventional physiotherapy treatment. Measurement of UE function and ROM was carried out using the same methods at the end of the intervention. Results: An increase of 4 points (56/66) was achieved in the FMA-UE after the intervention whilst an increase in ROM was noted in almost all UE movements on the affected side. The only ROM which decreased after the intervention was elbow extension (-3°) on the affected side. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that an increase in UE function and ROM was achieved when introducing additional VR sessions to conventional physiotherapy treatment.