Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training on Upper Limb Motor Function in Stroke Patient’s: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Stroke survivor has a poor quality of life (QOL) and by and large dependent on their activities of daily living
(ADL). Rehabilitation of motor function is a prerequisite for enhancing QOL in stroke patients. Hence, a more
novel approach to the rehabilitation of stroke patients is the need of the hour. One such approach which is gaining
attention in recent times is virtual reality (VR) training.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality training on Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) upper
Limb (UL) motor function in stroke patients.
Study design: Randomized control trial (RCT) - parallel group design, single-blind study.
Methods: Forty eligible stroke patients were selected and assigned randomly either into VR training (Group A) or
motor relearning program without a VR system. The training was provided for six weeks, five sessions per week.
FMA-UL motor function was evaluated at the beginning of the study before the commencement of the treatment
and again after six weeks following the completion of the entire treatment sessions.
Results: There was a significantly higher improvement in the FMA-UL motor function in VR training; the mean
difference in the improvement was 11.25 points compared to the motor relearning program performed without VR
environment, the mean difference was 7.10 points.
Conclusion: It is concluded that VR training was effective in improving FMA-UL motor function in stroke patients.