The present study aims to analyze the clinical effect of an UL rehabilitation program through HMD in subacute stroke subjects on motor impairment, independence and quality of life compared to a conventional treatment. We also explored cybersickness phenomena, satisfaction and embodiment perceived.
We are coordinating a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients with UL impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Upper Extremity - FMA-UE - score 55) are enrolled within 4 weeks after stroke and then randomized into the experimental group (EG) and the control one (CG) during their intensive rehabilitation stay; subjects are between groups stratified according to UL impairment severity (FMA-UE score between 23-54 or ≤22). EG patients undergo HMD sessions 5 days per week for 4 weeks, 1 hour each, into the routinely performed clinical activities. The system used has been previously developed and tested in a stroke sample. For CG patients only the conventional treatment identified by their clinical needs is administered. Before (T0), after the 4-week treatment (T1), and in a 6-month follow-up (T2), all the subjects are assessed through the FMA-UE, the Barthel Index (BI), and the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 (SIS). Cybersickness, embodiment and satisfaction perceived are investigated in EG subjects through specific questionnaires.
10 patients have been enrolled so far (5 for each group): 3 females, age range: 51-79, FMA-UE score: 9-47, BI score: 10-85. Considering the clinical changes detected from T0 to T1, EG patients showed greater gains in the FMA-UE, in a statistically significant way (p0.05). While both groups improved in all the other outcome measures, no other significant between groups differences have been found. The majority of EG patients were fully satisfied with the treatment reporting high embodiment levels, and no cybersickness events occurred. T2 data acquisition is still ongoing, thus, further information will allow a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical effects of the treatment performed, analyzing longitudinal changes in a multi-dimensional way.
These preliminary data showed beneficial effects of adding Immersive VR training through HMD to the conventional rehabilitation treatment in improving UL impairment in subacute stroke survivors.
Immersive VR training via HMD as a therapy adjunct to conventional rehabilitation treatment seems useful to increase UL motor function in subacute stroke survivors.
Head Mounted Display
Neurorehabilitation
