Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Upper Extremity Function and Visual Perception in Stroke Patients: a Randomized Control Trial

[Purpose] This study investigated upper extremity function and visual perception changes in stroke patients with hemiplegia using virtual reality (VR) training. [Subjects] Twenty-nine stroke patients were randomly allocated to the VR (n = 15) and control (CON) (n = 14) groups. [Methods] The Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise System was used for VR training. Two expert therapists provided the VR and CON groups with traditional rehabilitation therapy in 30-minute sessions, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. VR training was provided only to the VR group in 60-minute sessions, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. The CON group received traditional rehabilitation therapy only. Before and after 4 weeks of intervention, Wolf motor function test (WMFT) of the affected arm and motor-free visual perception test (MVPT) were performed, and the results were analyzed. [Results] The VR and CON groups showed significant differences in WMFT score between before and after the intervention. Moreover, the VR group showed a significant difference in all MVPT raw scores and response times. [Conclusion] This study suggests that remote rehabilitation using functionally effective VR makes rehabilitation training an easy and pleasant experience for patients. Therapists should develop suitable programs for patients suffering from stroke as well as other illnesses.