Effects of home-based virtual reality upper extremity rehabilitation in persons with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Upper extremity rehabilitation in persons with stroke should be dose-dependent and task-oriented. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to be used safely and effectively in home-based rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of home-based virtual reality upper extremity rehabilitation in persons with chronic stroke. This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial conducted at two centers. The subjects were 14 outpatients with chronic stroke more than 6 months after the onset of the stroke. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group (n = 7) performed a home rehabilitation program for the paretic hand (30 min/day, five days/week) using a VR device (RAPAEL Smart Glove™; NEOFECT Co., Yung-in, Korea) for four weeks. The control group (n = 7) participated in a conventional home rehabilitation program at the same frequency. All participants received outpatient occupational therapy once a week during the study period. The outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity motor function (FMA-UE), Motor Activity Log-14 (MAL), Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT), and Box and Block Test (BBT) scores. All 14 participants completed the study. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed more significant improvements in FMA-UE (p = 0.027), MAL (p = 0.014), JTT (p = 0.002), and BBT (p = 0.014). No adverse events were observed during or after the intervention. Compared to a conventional home…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 14 participants or records.
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