TDNet Discover

Background: A stroke can cause devastating brain damage, disability, and even death. Those that survive a stroke may develop motor impairments such as spasticity or weakness. Therefore, poststroke rehabilitation is indicated as a therapeutic option to help improve mobility and quality of life. Over the past 10 years, emerging randomized controlled trials have evaluated virtual reality (VR) as a therapeutic rehabilitation option for post-stroke patients. Purpose: This research sought to evaluate the current literature and determine if VR intervention can offer improved upper limb function outcomes, as well as improved activities of daily living and quality of life, in adult stroke patients when used in place of or in combination with conventional rehabilitation methods. Methods: In December 2021 to January 2022, we utilized scientific literature databases such as CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE Complete, and Google Scholar to review research methodologies, to locate three peer-reviewed journal publications of the highest level of evidence and quality, by utilizing a quality assessment tool by the NHLBI. Results: The three meta-analyses used for this study included similar inclusion criteria and similar interventions. All three studies demonstrate significant improvements with VR intervention compared to conventional therapy for upper limb mobility with the assessment of the FMA-UE. Two of the studies showed a small beneficial effect in improving quality of life with VR intervention. Conclusion: VR intervention appears to be a viable and effective method for the indication of upper limb motor rehabilitation and quality of life in adults diagnosed with stroke