Effects of virtual reality combined with motor imagery therapy on upper limb function in hemiplegic patients after stroke

VernacularTitle:虚拟现实技术结合运动想象疗法对脑卒中患者上肢功能恢复的影响
Author: Hua WU ; Xudong GU ; Meifang SHI ; Caihong WU ; Meihong ZHU ; Mei JIN ; Wei WANG
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Virtual reality; Motor imagery; Stroke; Motor function
From: Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2014;36(1):43-46
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of virtual reality (VR) combined with motor imagery therapy on the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods Thirty-nine hemiplegic stroke patients were divided randomly into a treatment group (n =20) and a control group (n =19).Both groups were treated with motor imagery therapy,but the treatment group also received VR training lasting 20 min/day,6 days/week for 8 weeks.All of the patients were assessed with the Fugl-Meyer (FMA) upper limb assessment,the modified Barthel index (MBI) and electromyography at the beginning and after eight weeks of treatment.Results Before the intervention there was no significant difference between the groups in any of the assessments.After eight weeks of treatment,all the assessment results in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group.Conclusion Virtual reality combined with motor imagery therapy can distinctly improve the upper limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke survivors and their ability in the activities of daily living.