Effects of virtual reality therapy on stroke rehabilitation in upper limbs: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 MSc in medical informatics engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Back ground and Aim: People after a stroke have many problems in daily activities such as writing and driving. Virtual reality and interactive video gaming have emerged as recent treatment approaches in stroke rehabilitation. Present study compares the effects of virtual
Materials and Methods: This study is a systematic review with meta-analysis. Five scientific databases were systematically searched through their online search engines on articles using virtual reality in upper limb rehabilitation; these databases were Cochrane Library, sience direct, PED, Rehabdata and medline (Pubmad).
Results: We included 21 trials that involved 1005 participants. Study sample sizes were generally small and interventions varied. The methodological quality of the chosen RCTs was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Intervention approaches in the included studies were predominantly designed to improve motor function or activity performance. Control groups received no intervention or therapy based on a standard care approach.
Conclusion: Using virtual reality improves the upper extremity function and performance of daily activities. Also the use of virtual reality as a supplement in addition to the conventional rehabilitation improves the function of the hand.

Keywords


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Volume 6, Issue 3
September and October 2017
Pages 286-302
  • Receive Date: 11 June 2016
  • Revise Date: 28 July 2016
  • Accept Date: 05 November 2016
  • First Publish Date: 23 September 2017