Impact of Virtual Reality Training in Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients: A Cross Sectional Review

Abstract

Introduction: Those who receive virtual reality training, they train through digital environment. The new modern technology starts from simple computer to virtually designed audio visual aids. This virtual therapy is the system were patient is exposed to harmless objects and equipment’s which boost their confidence level for better performance. There are so many diseases which are treated under virtual therapy, which includes stroke to achieve muscle power with better control and improvement social behavioral aspects. Much research has been done on this subject. For instance, the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, conducted numerous researches and applications for stroke rehabilitation games using virtual reality therapy training. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability with up to 76% of people with stroke experiencing a paralysis of the upper limbs at onset. Stroke rehabilitation plays an important role in recovering the lifestyle of stroke survivors. Although, rehabilitation programs can enhance the recovery of upper-limb function, the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions is generally less pronounced in the upper limbs than in the lower limbs; 55–75% of stroke survivors continue toexperience functional limitations in their upper extremities 3–6 months after a stroke. So many of stroke patients suffer permanent disabilities and compromise their quality of life. That kind of patient seriously require virtual rehabilitation program for better quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study to find out the effectiveness of virtual reality training in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, as they have been shown to be more effective and engaging than conventional rehabilitation therapy. Methods and Materials: The research has been conducted for duration of 4 months from November 2017 up to February 2018. Systemic review research design has been chosen to conduct this research. An extensive search of books, journals and electronic databases (PubMed, British Journal, Hindawi, Clinical Key) using key words was performed. A list of journals and articles were reviewed and almost all of them supported the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy. Results: It was then concluded that virtual reality therapy is effective in the rehabilitation of stroke patients when compared to no treatment or conventional treatment. 

Keywords: Virtual reality training, rehabilitation, stroke

Cite this Article

Shirana Asmi Farook, Kshtrashal Singh, Susmitha Govind et al. Impact of Virtual Reality Training in Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients: A Cross Sectional Review. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2018; 8(1): 16–20p.