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Abstract

Background: Hand function loss after a stroke is a major rehabilitation issue that affects millions of individuals each worldwide. To repair these people's hands, more potent rehabilitation treatments are required. Training in virtual reality (VR) offers a novel and possibly successful way to administer physical therapy therapies.
Purpose: This study aims to compare the effect of virtual reality training versus selected physical therapy program on hand function in chronic stroke patients.
Methodology: Forty-five adult subjects of both sexes with hemiparesis due to cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) were enrolled in this study. Participants were assigned randomly into three matched groups. The Group I (GI) included fifteen patients received virtual reality training, Group II (GII) included fifteen patients received a selected physical therapy program which included sustained stretching exercises for wrist flexors and wrist extensors, passive and active assisted mobilization of the upper limb, strengthening exercise, and PNF techniques. Group III (GIII) included fifteen patients received the same virtual reality training and the selected physical therapy program. The hand-held dynamometer and goniometer were used to assess the strength and wrist range of motion (ROM). The Purdue Pegboard test was used to test fingertip hand function. All measures were collected pre and post treatment.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in all measured variables pre-treatment (P-value ≥ 0.05). After four weeks of intervention, there were statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures in the three groups (p-value <0.05). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences between the three groups in all measured variables post treatment in favor of Group III (p-value < 0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in all outcome measures post-intervention between groups I and II in favor of group I (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion: VR training is a promising adjunct in stroke rehabilitation, demonstrating significant benefits on hand strength, wrist ROM and functional performance.