Efficacy analysis of virtual reality-based training for activities of daily living and functional task training in stroke patients: A single-subject study

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR)-based training for functions such as cognition, upper extremities, balancing, and activities of daily living (ADL) has been used on stroke patients, and its efficacy has been reported. However, no comparison has been made between the efficacy of VR-based training for daily activities that exactly reproduces ADL and functional training. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the difference in independency enhancement of VR-based training for daily activities compared to cognitive and motor functional training. Patient concerns and diagnosis: This study was conducted on 4 patients who have been diagnosed with stroke and are currently receiving rehabilitation therapy in G hospital located in the city of Gwangju, using A-B-A’-B’ design from single-subject experimental designs. Interventions: Intervention was performed in 2 ways: application of VR-based training for daily activities after the application of cognitive and motor function training; and application of cognitive and motor function training after the application of VR-based training for daily activities. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, Computer Cognitive Screening Assessment System, Box and Block Test, and Grip and Pinch Strength Test were used to measure the changes in the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function. Outcomes: The results confirmed that the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function was improved after the application of VR-based intervention. In addition, the efficacy of independency enhancement was maximized by the early approach of training for daily activities at the time of VR-based intervention in stroke patients. Conclusions: VR-based intervention of training for daily activities and functional training can be considered to benefit the improvement of the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function in stroke patients. In addition, although functional training was also effective in enhancing independency and functional improvement in stroke patients, an early approach to training for ADL based on tasks with objectives was deemed to be more effective.

Clinical effects of a novel deep learning-based rehabilitation application on cardiopulmonary function, dynamic and static balance, gait function, and activities of daily living in adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

“…[35] Lee et al (2023) indicated increased improvement in ADL (8.32%) in 4 patients with hemiplegic stroke. [36] By applying audiovisual feedback on deep learning-based rehabilitation, the patients are able to self-train balance deficits by analyzing the postural and balance control suggestions shown in the virtual environment. DRA is a low-cost, portable tool that can be integrated into the rehabilitation plan of post-CP and neurological patients, such as those with traumatic brain injury and stroke.…”

“…Such rehabilitation frequently requires sophisticated and costly equipment that is only available in hospitals or other specialized facilities. [36,37] DRA not only provides easy and affordable virtual treatment options, but also exhibits positive outcomes in the ongoing recovery of chronic CP survivors.…”