https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/890387
Using a new virtual reality approach to rehabilitation training had similar benefits to conventional therapy for arm motor function in patients in the subacute phase of stroke in a new study.
The VIRTUES study, published in the December 12 issue of Neurology, was conducted by a team led by Iris Brunner, PhD, University of Bergen, Norway.
"We had hoped that the virtual reality approach would lead to better functional improvement than the conventional approach as previous studies have suggested the virtual reality training allows more intensive exercise as patients appear to be active for a larger part of each session," Dr Brunner commented to Medscape Medical News.
"But having the same outcome as conventional training is still a good result," she said. "Therapists can supervise several different patients on these devices at the same time in a hospital setting and so should be able to deliver more treatment."
The researchers note that most patients in both groups, even those with initially severe distal paresis, showed substantial increases in arm motor function. "This implies that different training modalities can contribute to improvement and may be applied according to patient preference," they say.
Dr Brunner added: "In future there will be more opportunity for patients to be able to do this virtual reality training at home supported by a remote therapist, which will further increase the amount of therapy able to be delivered. This is the primary aim as we know that more intensive therapy gets better outcomes. This is most crucial in the first few weeks after a stroke — where we have a golden opportunity to exploit the recovery potential. And this virtual reality technology will help us do that."
The current study compared virtual reality training with conventional training for arm function on top of standard rehabilitation.
Dr Brunner explained that standard rehabilitation varies but normally entails some physiotherapy, some occupational therapy, and some speech and language therapy according to individual needs.
The VIRTUES study, published in the December 12 issue of Neurology, was conducted by a team led by Iris Brunner, PhD, University of Bergen, Norway.
"We had hoped that the virtual reality approach would lead to better functional improvement than the conventional approach as previous studies have suggested the virtual reality training allows more intensive exercise as patients appear to be active for a larger part of each session," Dr Brunner commented to Medscape Medical News.
"But having the same outcome as conventional training is still a good result," she said. "Therapists can supervise several different patients on these devices at the same time in a hospital setting and so should be able to deliver more treatment."
Dr Brunner added: "In future there will be more opportunity for patients to be able to do this virtual reality training at home supported by a remote therapist, which will further increase the amount of therapy able to be delivered. This is the primary aim as we know that more intensive therapy gets better outcomes. This is most crucial in the first few weeks after a stroke — where we have a golden opportunity to exploit the recovery potential. And this virtual reality technology will help us do that."
The current study compared virtual reality training with conventional training for arm function on top of standard rehabilitation.
Dr Brunner explained that standard rehabilitation varies but normally entails some physiotherapy, some occupational therapy, and some speech and language therapy according to individual needs.
