Effects of Comprehensive Augmented and Virtual Reality in Stroke Patients

Effects of Comprehensive Augmented and Virtual Reality for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in First-Ever Stroke Patients

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of augmented and virtual reality-based rehabilitation programs on improving upper extremity function in subacute stroke patients.

This was a randomized, single-blinded study, conducted at a single acute rehabilitation unit in a university hospital. In this study, the effect of augmented and virtual reality-based rehabilitation for the recovery of subacute stroke patients compared with conventional occupational therapy was evaluated.

A randomized, single-blinded study. Individuals were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or control group using a computer-generated randomization technique. The randomization list was created on blocks of four and generated at the start of the study using a computerized program.

The researcher responsible for randomization was independent from the assessors, assuring blindness to treatment allocation and randomization procedures. The blinded assessor performed the baseline and post-treatment assessments. The patients and the occupational therapists were not blinded due to the nature of treatment modality.

This group underwent augmented reality and virtual reality rehabilitation for 60 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks.

This group underwent conventional occutational therapy for 60 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 2 weeks.

This group underwent augmented reality and virtual reality rehabilitation with 4 different systems. The RAPAEL Smart Glove® is a wearable sensory system that contains a single 9-axis movement and position sensor with 3 acceleration channels, 3 angular rate channels, and 3 magnetic field channels that measures wrist movements, and 5 bending sensors that measure finger movements. The RAPAEL Smart Board® is a rehabilitation system used to improve arm function by practicing gravity-compensated movements. The RehabMaster® is a game-based Kinect sensor AR rehabilitation system which uses a 3D camera to digitize patient movements and quickly analyze their range of motion, speed, motion angle, and movement cycles. rehabilitation exercise using games to encourage active arm and trunk movements and promote successful rehabilitation. The COG-Trainer® is a VR system that uses a training device synchronized with the screen through simulation.

The group underwent standard ocupational therapy, such as range of motion and strengthening exercises for the affected upper extremity, table-top activities, and training for activities of daily living.

Inclusion Criteria: First ever stroke Onset of stroke less than 3 months Sufficiently medically stable to participate in active rehabilitation Mild-to-moderate upper extremity motor impairments (Brunnstrom stage for the upper extremity 2-6). Exclusion Criteria: Severe cognitive impairment (defined as score < 10 on the Mini-Mental State Examination) Evidence of apraxia Clinical history of neglect Previous upper extremity hemiplegia.