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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

Virtual reality for the rehabilitation of the upper limb motor function after stroke: a prospective controlled trial

Authors: Andrea Turolla, Mauro Dam, Laura Ventura, Paolo Tonin, Michela Agostini, Carla Zucconi, Pawel Kiper, Annachiara Cagnin, Lamberto Piron

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Recent evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) for stroke rehabilitation nonetheless its benefits and limitations in large population of patients have not yet been studied.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of non-immersive VR treatment for the restoration of the upper limb motor function and its impact on the activities of daily living capacities in post-stroke patients.

Methods

A pragmatic clinical trial was conducted among post-stroke patients admitted to our rehabilitation hospital. We enrolled 376 subjects who had a motor arm subscore on the Italian version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (It-NIHSS) between 1 and 3 and without severe neuropsychological impairments interfering with recovery. Patients were allocated to two treatments groups, receiving combined VR and upper limb conventional (ULC) therapy or ULC therapy alone. The treatment programs consisted of 2 hours of daily therapy, delivered 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (F-M UE) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scales.

Results

Both treatments significantly improved F-M UE and FIM scores, but the improvement obtained with VR rehabilitation was significantly greater than that achieved with ULC therapy alone. The estimated effect size of the minimal difference between groups in F-M UE and FIM scores was 2.5 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001) pts and 3.2 ± 1.2 (P = 0.007) pts, respectively.

Conclusions

VR rehabilitation in post-stroke patients seems more effective than conventional interventions in restoring upper limb motor impairments and motor related functional abilities.

Trial registration

Italian Ministry of Health IRCCS Research Programme 2590412

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Title: Virtual reality for the rehabilitation of the upper limb motor function after stroke: a prospective controlled trial
Authors: Andrea Turolla
Mauro Dam
Laura Ventura
Paolo Tonin
Michela Agostini
Carla Zucconi
Pawel Kiper
Annachiara Cagnin
Lamberto Piron
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-10-85

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Virtual reality for the rehabilitation of the upper limb motor function after stroke: a prospective controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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