Effects of a Game-Based Virtual Reality Video Capture Training Program Plus Occupational Therapy on Manual Dexterity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Neurorehabilitation is a fundamental aspect in the treatment approach for multiple sclerosis (MS), in which new technologies have gained popularity, especially the use of virtual reality (VR). The aim of this paper is to analyze an occupational therapy (OT) intervention compared with OT + VR (OT + VR) on the manual dexterity of patients with MS. 26 MS subjects were initially recruited from an MS patient association and randomized into two groups. The OT group received 20 conventional OT sessions distributed in two sessions per week. The OT + VR group received 20 sessions of VR interventions, twice weekly and lasting 30 minutes, consisting of VR games accessed via the online web page motiongamingconsole.com, in addition to the conventional OT sessions. Pre- and postintervention assessments were based on the Purdue Pegboard Test, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and the Grooved Pegboard Test. Clinical improvements were found regarding the precision of movements, the execution times, and the efficiency of certain functional tasks in the Purdue Pegboard Test and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test tests in the OT + VR group. Although significant differences were not found in the manual dexterity between the OT and OT + VR groups, improvements were found regarding the precision and effectiveness of certain functional tasks.

Effects of Virtual Reality Associated With Serious Games for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These results suggest that at least 12 sessions with a virtual environment combined with conventional rehabilitation are necessary to achieve dexterity improvements in MS patients. However, speci c serious games are necessary for the UL rehabilitation in patients with MS, since Waliño-Paniagua et al [6] did not achieve signi cant improvements with their protocol.…”

“…Jonsdottir et al [26] also studied the feasibility of serious games platform using Kinect compared to exergames using the Nintendo Wii for UL in 16 people with MS. Their results showed clinically important improvements in ne and gross hand function evaluated by BBT and NHPT after the experimental intervention with serious games with Kinect. Waliño-Paniagua et al [6] assessed occupational therapy plus VR via a webcam for UL rehabilitation in 16 MS patients and showed a tendency towards statistical signi cance related to motor dexterity measured by PPT, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and the Grooved Pegboard Test.…”

“…There are no other studies available to compare our treatment protocol based on LMC. [6] used 20 sessions of occupational therapy, lasting 30 minutes, twice weekly, plus 20 minutes of VR via a webcam. These results suggest that at least 12 sessions with a virtual environment combined with conventional rehabilitation are necessary to achieve dexterity improvements in MS patients.…”

Effects Of Virtual Reality Associated With Serious Games For Upper Limb Rehabilitation In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Jonsdottir et al[26] also studied the feasibility of serious games platform using Kinect compared to exergames using the Nintendo Wii for UL in 16 people with MS.Their results showed clinically important improvements in fine and gross hand function assessed BBT and NHPT in response to the serious games intervention. Waliño-Paniagua et al[6] assessed occupational therapy plus VR via a webcam for UL rehabilitation in 16 MS patients and showed a tendency towards statistical significance related to motor dexterity measured by PPT, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and the Grooved Pegboard Test.To our knowledge, this is the first RTC to evaluate grip muscle strength, coordination, speed of movements, fine and gross dexterity, fatigue, and quality of life after using serious games designed for neurological diseases with the LMC system for UL rehabilitation MS patients. Webster et al[27] assessed the opinion of five MS patients using focus groups regarding the development of virtual environments using LMC.…”

“…Jonsdottir et al [26] used 12 sessions, 40 minutes per session, 4-5 sessions per week, using a Kinect or Nintendo Wii console combined with conventional rehabilitation. Finally, Waliño-Paniagua et al[6] used 20 sessions of occupational therapy, lasting 30 minutes, twice weekly, plus 20 minutes of VR via a webcam. These results suggest that at least 12 sessions with a virtual environment combined with conventional rehabilitation are necessary to achieve dexterity improvements in MS patients.…”