Purpose: To investigate the effect of an augmented reality (AR) system on muscle strength and function level of the paretic lower limb and the balance ability in the early rehabilitation program of acute stroke patients. Methods: The participants (30 or fewer days after stroke) were randomly assigned to receive intervention with an early rehabilitation program using an AR system (n= 1) or an early rehabilitation program consisting of functional electrical stimulation and tilt table use (n= 1). Patients in both subjects received interventions 4-5 times a week for 3 weeks. Results: In the paretic limb muscle strength, AR subject was increased from 15 to 39.6 Nm and Control subject was increased from 5 to 30.2 Nm. The paretic limb function of AR subject motor function was increased from 8 to 28 score and Control subject motor function was increased from 6 to 14 score. But sensory function was very little difference between the two subjects (AR subject: from 4 to 10 score, Control subject: from 3 to 10 score). In the balance ability, AR subject had more difference after intervention than control subject (AR subject: 33 score, Control subject: 22 score). Conclusion: The early rehabilitation program using the AR system showed a slightly higher improvement in the motor function of the paretic lower limb and balance ability measurement than the general early rehabilitation program. The AR system, which can provide more active, task-oriented, and motivational environment, may provide a meaningful environment for the initial rehabilitation process after stroke.

Purpose: Aim of this study was to investigate whether there are ipsilateral motor deficits for visuospatial accuracy and fine movements by making a comparison between stroke patients and healthy subjects. We examined whether ipsilateral motor deficits are influenced by the level of functional movements and muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities of the affected side. Methods: Thirty post-stroke subjects and 20 normal aged matched subjects were recruited. Outcome measures for less-affected side were the tracking task and nine-hole pegboard test. Fugl-Meyer test and motricity index were applied for the measurement of functional movements and muscle strength of affected side. Results: Tracking task and nine-hole pegboard test was significantly different between control and experimental group. In terms of accuracy index according to tracking, the experimental group showed a lower accuracy index in the MCP joint than the control group. However, there were no significant difference relation between the level of motor function of the affected side and the motor deficit level of ipsilateral side. Conclusion: Ipsilateral motor deficits may have significant clinical implications. It needs to be noted that although many patients, families, and medical staff are focused only on motor deficits of the affected side, motor deficits of the sound side can cause difficulties in daily living movements requiring delicate movements. In addition, there was no significant correlation between the level of motor function of the affected side and motor deficits of the sound side.