Combining Virtual Reality Motor Rehabilitation With Cognitive Strategy Use in Chronic Stroke

Abstract

Importance: Rehabilitation interventions for chronic stroke are largely impairment based, with results confined to the level of impairment instead of function. In contrast, cognitive strategy training interventions have demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in functional outcomes. Integration of these approaches has yet to be explored. Objective: To evaluate acceptability, recruitment, and retention rate and determine which outcome measures best capture the effect of the intervention. Design: Single-group, pre–post design. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Adults with chronic stroke and hemiparesis (N = 10). Intervention: A 12-wk intervention integrating cognitive strategy training with upper extremity motor training. Two weekly sessions used Kinect-based virtual reality to encourage high numbers of upper extremity movement repetitions. The third weekly session focused on the use of cognitive strategies with practice of client-centered goals. Outcomes and Measures: Upper extremity motor performance was measured with the Fugl–Meyer Assessment. Occupational performance on trained and untrained goals was measured via the Performance Quality Rating Scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Outcome data were gathered preintervention, postintervention, and at 3-mo follow-up. Results: The intervention was perceived as acceptable. Recruitment rate was 15%, and retention rate was 100%. Large effects were found on outcomes of upper extremity motor performance, occupational performance, and participation at follow-up. Conclusion and Relevance: MetacogVR is feasible for adults with chronic stroke. The effect of MetacogVR is best captured through measures of upper extremity motor performance, occupational performance, and participation. What This Articles Adds: Traditional, impairment-based approaches to chronic stroke rehabilitation may require integration with cognitive-strategy training to affect performance on meaningful goals.

Kinematic of the Position and Orientation Synchronization of the Posture of a n DoF Upper-Limb Exoskeleton with a Virtual Object in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment

“…Also, the lack of real-time data about the patient performance and improvements contribute to the non-optimal therapy development [43,44]. Previous works have shown evidence of the VR technologies efficacy in rehabilitation [45][46][47][48], enhancing therapies with diverse immersive technologies that allow the users to hear, see, perceive haptic feedback, and navigate in interactive environments. VR and exoskeletal systems have been used together to enhance functional exercising [49][50][51], however, these technologies have been scarcely studied in immersive environments.…”

Kinect‐Based Rehabilitation Systems for Stroke Patients: A Scoping Review

“…On the other hand, some studies had developed games customized to the abilities of stroke patients and reported positive effects on their motor recovery [ 42 , 50 , 53 , 56 , 61 , 62 ]. These results are in line with the findings of other researches [ 25 , 73 ].…”

Applied COP-Based MMSE Method and Modular Interactive Tiles on Postural Stability Enhance in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study

“…So, the study size is limited to 10 patients. However, recent related studies of patients with chronic stroke with 10 participants have yielded clinically valuable results and contributions [21,22].…”