Virtual reality and motor rehabilitation of the upper limb after stroke: a generation of progress?

Full Abstract

AIM: To review the rationale, criteria of application, potentialities and limits of the available procedures for upper limb rehabilitation in virtual reality setups. METHODS: Classification of the available virtual reality setups and comparison among published studies, with focus on the criteria of motor impairment and recovery assessment, rehabilitation procedures, and efficacy. Results and conclusion: The studies completed to date support application of virtual reality methods in the treatment of the paretic upper limb after stroke, but the superiority of virtual reality methods in comparison with conventional procedures currently in use is still unproven. Larger samples, adequate controlled study design and follow-up, greater homogeneity in the selection criteria and parameters measuring severity of stroke, motor impairment and recovery are necessary.

Author information

Author/s: Lucca, Lucia Francesca (LF);

Affiliation: RAN (Research in Advanced Neuro-rehabilitation), S. Anna Institute, IT-88900 Crotone, Italy. l.lucca(-atsign-)istitutosantanna.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine : official journal of the UEMS European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (J Rehabil Med), published in Sweden. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Nov; vol 41 (issue 12) : pp 1003-100

Dates: Created 2009/10/20; Completed 2009/10/27;

PMID: 19841832, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/27/2009, IMS Date: )

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