TDNet Discover

Background: Stroke occurs when cerebral blood flow to the brain is restricted, resulting in neuronal injury or death and often leading to lasting neurological impairment. Over recent years, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a potential therapy in stroke rehabilitation, with efforts to explore its ability to improve functional outcomes either as monotherapy or an adjunct to conventional treatment. To determine the clinical value of VR and whether it should be integrated into standard care in stroke rehabilitation, it is important to review existing research and evaluate its efficacy in improving patient outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation in patients recovering from a stroke, with a focus on motor function, gait, and balance. This research is intended to evaluate the efficacy of VR compared to conventional rehabilitation in stroke recovery, with the broader goal of determining whether VR should be routinely integrated into post-stroke care and supported by clear, evidence-based clinical guidelines. Methods: This review followed PRISMA guidelines. On October 1, 2024, literature was searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO Host (Medline). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the impact of VR on motor function, muscle strength, range of motion, functional independence, and quality of life were included. Results: A total of 154 publications were analyzed. These studies consistently reported significant improvements in functional outcomes among stroke patients receiving VR-based therapy. The most notable benefits occurred when VR was used as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation. v Conclusion: Based on the three meta-analyses and systematic reviews, VR-based rehabilitation has been shown to improve overall upper and lower extremity function and functional independence. This evidence supports integrating VR-based rehab into post-stroke treatment plans.