To examine the effects of using a virtual reality (VR) system to improve upper limb motor function among subacute hemiparetic stroke patients. Under this aim, the investigators have two objectives: (1) to develop and test a procedure for the quantitative assessment of stroke patients in a virtual environment; and (2) to compare the outcome measures of the two groups of stroke patients (VR-intervention vs. conventional-control) on these two modes of training.
After being informed about the study and potential risks, all participants who gave written consent will undergo the study. A randomized controlled trial with pre-/post-study, of 42 stroke patients with upper limb weakness (21 patients in the control group and 21 patients in the intervention group), 18-65 years old, all are newly admitted stroke patients in the rehabilitation clinic from one hospital. Participants in the intervention group will receive 60 minutes of VR training to improve upper limb function and daily living activities. Participants in the control group will receive 60 minutes of conventional training to improve upper limb function and daily living activities. The training includes grasp, grip, pinch, gross, and finger-hand coordination movement. The training will perform 5 times/week for 4 weeks. Two outcome measures: (a) The Barthel Index and (b) The Fugl-Meyer Assessment, time spent to complete a task were used to compare two groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
42
Patients in the intervention (VR) group will receive a series of occupational and physical therapy rehabilitation training using the VR system. All training is consists of daily activities oriented by an occupational therapist, including grasp, grip, pinch, gross, and finger-hand coordination movement. Each training will take around 1 hour for one session per day 5 times per week over a maximum of 4 weeks. The training presented a one-on-one that allowed interaction between instructor (or VR system) and participant.
The Barthel Index (BI)
To evaluate upper extremity performance motor function of the stroke patients. It consists of 10 self-care activities, including feeding, Bathing, Bowels, Bladder, Toilet Use, Transfer (bed to chair, and back), Mobility (on level surfaces), stairs, etc. with a total score range from 0 to 100, the higher the score, the more independent on their daily activities; It has good validity (0.82) and reliability (0.83).
Time frame: Change from baseline scores on the Barthel index after 4 weeks training
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)
To evaluate the upper limb movements, including the functions on the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand functions of the hemiparetic arm. The FMA is measured on 33 tasks with a 3-point ordinal scale (0 to 2), with a total score range from 0 to 66; the higher the score, the more functioning of the upper limb. It has good validity (0.84) and reliability (0.79).
Time frame: Change from baseline scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment after 4 weeks training
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