Virtual Reality Therapy for Upper Limb Motor Impairments in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

IF 1.5 Q3 REHABILITATION

Physiotherapy Research International Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI:10.1002/pri.70040

Rebeca Villarroel, Bárbara Rachel García-Ramos, José Luis González-Mora, Cristián Modroño

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background and purpose: Stroke is a major cause of disability in adults. Motor recovery through conventional therapy (CT) is a fundamental approach but can sometimes face challenges related to motivation. Virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation, specifically non-immersive VR, is an alternative therapy aimed at improving upper limb motor function and, consequently, functional independence in daily living activities. However, its effectiveness is still being evaluated. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of non-immersive VR in upper limb motor function, manual dexterity and the improvement of daily living activities in stroke patients.

Methods: The control groups included physical therapy or occupational therapy. We searched IEEE Digital Library, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Sciences and ScienceDirect until December 2023 and identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Quality and risk were assessed using the revised Cochrane Collaboration tool, PEDro scale, OCEBM, and GRADE. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also evaluated. The standardized mean difference (SMD) effect size was calculated to assess the effectiveness of VR therapy compared with conventional therapy. Subgroup analyses were subsequently performed to mitigate the observed heterogeneity and provide further clarity to the results.

Results: In line with previous research, using VR shows improvements in motor function and manual dexterity for stroke patients. Subgroup analyses reveal that the benefits of VR interventions are most pronounced during the acute and subacute recovery stages, particularly in motor function and manual dexterity. Furthermore, combining VR with traditional therapy seems to yield better outcomes in motor function and manual dexterity compared with VR alone. Notably, the type of VR control-whether sensory or manual-or whether the game is commercially available or rehabilitation-specific, does not seem to influence the outcomes. VR interventions lasting less than 4 weeks are effective in improving both motor function and manual dexterity, whereas interventions of 4 weeks or longer only show significant benefits in motor function.

Discussion: These findings highlight the versatility and potential of VR as a complementary tool in neurorehabilitation.

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来源期刊

Physiotherapy Research International REHABILITATION-

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.90%

发文量

期刊介绍： Physiotherapy Research International is an international peer reviewed journal dedicated to the exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to specialist areas of physiotherapy theory, practice, and research. Our aim is to promote a high level of scholarship and build on the current evidence base to inform the advancement of the physiotherapy profession. We publish original research on a wide range of topics e.g. Primary research testing new physiotherapy treatments; methodological research; measurement and outcome research and qualitative research of interest to researchers, clinicians and educators. Further, we aim to publish high quality papers that represent the range of cultures and settings where physiotherapy services are delivered. We attract a wide readership from physiotherapists and others working in diverse clinical and academic settings. We aim to promote an international debate amongst the profession about current best evidence based practice. Papers are directed primarily towards the physiotherapy profession, but can be relevant to a wide range of professional groups. The growth of interdisciplinary research is also key to our aims and scope, and we encourage relevant submissions from other professional groups. The journal actively encourages submissions which utilise a breadth of different methodologies and research designs to facilitate addressing key questions related to the physiotherapy practice. PRI seeks to encourage good quality topical debates on a range of relevant issues and promote critical reflection on decision making and implementation of physiotherapy interventions.