Impact of virtual reality game therapy and task-specific neurodevelopmental treatment on motor recovery in survivors of stroke

Background/Aims This study aimed to compare the impact of virtual reality game therapy and task-specific neurodevelopmental training on the motor recovery of upper limb and trunk control, as well as physical function, in people who have had a stroke. Methods This randomised, assessor-blinded clinical trial was conducted with 34 patients with post-stroke duration of 135 ± 23 days. Patients with first-onset cortical stroke aged 40-60 years, Mini-Mental State Examination score >20, ability to complete a nine-hole peg test within 120 seconds, ability to lift the affected arm at shoulder level and independent standing were included. Patients were excluded if they had unilateral neglect and musculoskeletal injuries of the affected limb in the past 2 months. Outcome measures used were the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Scale, Action Research Arm Test, Trunk Impairment Scale and Stroke Impact Scale-16. The virtual reality game therapy group performed interactive table tennis, boxing and discus throwing games. The neurodevelopmental treatment group underwent task-specific movements of the upper limb in sitting and standing. All patients performed 45 minutes of treatment, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Results Both groups showed improvements in all measures after training (P<0.05). There was a between-group difference of 3.47 points in Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Scale in favour of the virtual reality game therapy. Conclusions Both treatment regimens resulted in equal improvements in hand dexterity and trunk control after stroke. Virtual reality game therapy improved the upper limb motor recovery of stroke survivors to a greater extent than neurodevelopmental treatment. Â