Feasibility of an individually tailored virtual reality program for improving upper motor functions and activities of daily living in chronic stroke survivors: A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic stroke survivors are a clinically diverse group which can make home management difficult. The development of individually tailor made virtual reality programs (ITVRPs) for home management could aid the maintenance or recovery of the physical function of stroke survivors. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing a newly developed ITVRP on chronic stroke survivors with upper motor problems. Method: Fifteen stroke survivors living in the community participated in the ITVRP for 40-50 min/ day, 3 days/ week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Manual Function Test, Box and Block Test, and Modified Barthel Index. A custom made questionnaire was used to investigate satisfaction and safety of the ITVRP. Results: After participating the program, the stroke survivors showed significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer assessment (p < 0.001), manual function test (p = 0.009), and modified Barthel index (p = 0.021). Furthermore, 73% of participants were satisfied with the ITVRP in terms of improving their upper motor functions. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The results of this case series indicate the feasibility and accessibility of ITVRP for rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.