[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of game-based virtual
reality movement therapy plus mental practice on upper extremity function in chronic
stroke patients with hemiparesis. [Subjects] The subjects were chronic stroke patients
with hemiparesis. [Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to either the control
group or experimental group. All subjects received 20 sessions (5 days in a week) of
virtual reality movement therapy using the Nintendo Wii. In addition to Wii-based virtual
reality movement therapy, experimental group subjects performed mental practice consisting
of 5 minutes of relaxation, Wii games imagination, and normalization phases before the
beginning of Wii games. To compare the two groups, the upper extremity subtest of the
Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, and quality of movement subscale of the Motor
Activity Log were performed. [Results] Both groups showed statistically significant
improvement in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, and quality of the movement
subscale of Motor Activity Log after the interventions. Also, there were significant
differences in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, and quality of movement
subscale of the Motor Activity Log between the two groups. [Conclusion] Game-based virtual
reality movement therapy alone may be helpful to improve functional recovery of the upper
extremity, but the addition of MP produces a lager improvement.