Work

Telehealth-Guided Virtual Reality for Recovery of Upper Extremity Function Following Stroke

Year: 2023

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: This rater-blinded, randomized control trial (RCT) investigated the effectiveness of a Glove Rehabilitation Application for Stroke Patients (GRASP) virtual reality home exercise program (HEP) for upper extremity (UE) motor recovery following stroke. The GRASP system facilitates the use of the affected UE in simulated instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Participants were asked to use the system at home in asynchronous telehealth sessions 4 times per week over 8 weeks. A non-blinded occupational therapist (OT) provided synchronous telehealth visits biweekly. Analysis comparing pre- and post-assessment results for the Fugl-Meyer UE assessment (FMUE) shows a clinically important and statistically significant between-group difference for participants completing the GRASP HEP protocol compared with usual and customary care controls. Statistically significant and clinically important differences were also found in Motor Activity Log (MAL) scores. This evidence provides support for the effectiveness of home-based, IADL-focused, virtual reality therapy with telehealth support.

Source: OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research

DOI: 10.1177/15394492231158375

Authors: Richard J. Adams, Allison L. Ellington, Kate A. Kuccera, Hannah Leaman, Catherine Smithson, James T. Patrie

Institutions: Barron Associates (United States), Mary Baldwin University, University of Virginia Health System, University of Virginia

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: University of Virginia, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development