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A novel fully immersive virtual reality environment for upper extremity rehabilitation in patients with stroke
Author(s) -
Mekbib Destaw B.,
Debeli Dereje Kebebew,
Zhang Li,
Fang Shan,
Shao Yuling,
Yang Wei,
Han Jiawei,
Jiang Hongjie,
Zhu Junming,
Zhao Zhiyong,
Cheng Ruidong,
Ye Xiangming,
Zhang Jianmin,
Xu Dongrong
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.14554
Subject(s) - rehabilitation , virtual reality , physical medicine and rehabilitation , stroke (engine) , motor function , medicine , barthel index , physical therapy , psychology , computer science , human–computer interaction , mechanical engineering , engineering
Given the rising incidence of stroke, several technology‐driven methods for rehabilitation have recently been developed. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising therapeutic technology among them. We recently developed a neuroscientifically grounded VR system to aid recovery of motor function poststroke. The developed system provides unilateral and bilateral upper extremity (UE) training in a fully immersive virtual environment that may stimulate and activate mirror neurons (MNs) in the brain necessary for UE rehabilitation. Twenty‐three participants were randomized to a VR group ( n = 12) to receive VR intervention (8 h within 2 weeks) plus 8‐h occupational therapy (OT) or a control group ( n = 11) to receive time‐matched OT alone. Treatment effects on motor recovery and cortical reorganization were investigated using the Barthel Index (BI), Fugl‐Meyer Upper Extremity (FM‐UE), and resting‐state fMRI. Both groups significantly improved BI ( P < 0.05), reflecting the recovery of UE motor function. The VR group revealed significant improvements on FM‐UE scores ( P < 0.05) than the control group. Neural activity increased after the intervention, particularly in the brain areas implicating MNs, such as in the primary motor cortex. Overall, results suggested that using a neuroscientifically grounded VR system might offer additional benefits for UE rehabilitation in patients receiving OT.