Efektivitas Virtual Reality Training Terhadap Kemampuan Fungsional Ekstremitas Atas pada Kasus Stroke: Studi Literatur

Background. Stroke is a disease caused by the death of tissues in the brain. Clinical problems arise such as motor, sensory, cognitive, language, and emotional disorders. Motor disorders experienced by stroke patients are a decrease in functional ability. Virtual reality training is one of the physiotherapy exercises in handling stroke cases and is estimated to be able to modulate neuroplasticity so as to improve the functional capabilities of the extremities of stroke patients. Materials and Methods. This study is a literature review study with narrative methods. Purpose. Know how effective virtual reality exercises against improving the functional ability of the upper extremities in case of stroke. Result. The provision of virtual reality exercises is proven to improve the functional capabilities of the upper extremities in stroke patients. Virtual reality exercises for stroke provide audio and visual stimulation that triggers neuro-rehabilitation resulting in cortical re-mapping. And also provide motivation that triggers stroke patients to do exercises with a lot of reps so that neuroplasticity occurs. with various parameters such as Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Box and Block Test (BBT). Conclusion. The administration of physiotherapy exercises using virtual reality can be an interventional solution to rehabilitate and improve the function of the upper extremities if paying attention to several things, such as virtual reality methods, dosages, and the availability of therapeutic tools. Keywords: Stroke, Virtual Reality training, Functional Abilities

A Novel Virtual Reality Training Strategy for Poststroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Stroke patients suffer impairments including sensory, motor, visual, and cognitive areas, as well as gait and balance manifestations making activities of daily living difficult. In such conditions, virtual reality training can be a potential rehabilitation tool in comparison to conventional physical therapy to cater to the burden of this disability; hence, this randomized clinical trial compared the effects of virtual reality training and conventional physical therapy on balance and lower extremity function in stroke patients. The sample of 68 poststroke participants from Kanaan Physical Therapy and Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan, were divided into N = 34 cases each using the lottery method with one group given virtual reality training and the other received conventional physical therapy. Each group received 60 minutes intervention, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale and the Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity scale were employed for data collection preintervention, immediate postintervention, and 6 weeks postintervention. The statistically significant differences between virtual reality and conventional physical therapy groups for the Berg Balance score ( p < 0.001 ), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA)-lower extremity domains of FMA-motor function ( p < 0.001 ), FMA-joint pain, and joint range ( p < 0.001 ); however, there is no significant difference p = 0.202 for time vs. group interaction and significant ( p < 0.001 ) for the time main effect for FMA sensation. Hence, virtual reality training is more effective to restore balance and lower extremity function compared to conventional physical therapy in stroke patients. The results of the study have significant implications for the clinicians with better case management enhancing quality of life of patients along with the dearth of local literature, thus providing base for future research from a developing country’s perspective.