USING VIRTUAL REALITY AS A METHOD OF ACCELERATED REHABILITATION AMONG THE PATIENTS AFTER STROKE

Abstract

Aim - exploring the effect of displaying the motion from the first-person’s point of view in virtual reality on the recovery of motor disorders among patients in the acute period of cerebrovascular disorder. Materials and methods. 45 patients with acute cerebrovascular disorder aged 58±7 years were analyzed. Patients were randomized in two groups. The first group received either standard rehabilitation or training with virtual reality equipment. The second group received only standard rehabilitation. Training included displaying the motion from the first-person’s point of view in the virtual reality during 3-7 sessions, 15 minutes each. In this exercise a patient could see his “virtual legs”. Speed range was 2-5 km/h. Berg’s balance assessment was used to score movement function (14 questions, where max score - 56 points - means that there is no dysfunction to notice). Assessment method for comparing groups with unusual distribution (Mann-Whitney criteria) was used as statistical analysis. Results. Exercises with the virtual reality equipment show their efficiency on 15th-19th day after stroke. The most significant outcome can be achieved in 5-9 days after stroke (p=0,022). The rate of movement function recovery depends on the duration of training (p=0,001); the highest outcome can be achieved during the first 3-5 sessions. Conclusion. Additional exercises with the virtual reality equipment help to improve outcomes of movement function recovery among patients with acute cerebrovascular disorder.

Keywords

• virtual reality
• central paresis
• stroke
• movement rehabilitation