efeitos da realidade virtual em paciente adulto com paralisia braquial obstétrica

Abstract

The Obstetric Brachial Palsy consists of a brachial plexus injury which results in motor and sensory disturbance of the upper limb. The Erb-Duchenne paralysis is most frequent. Objective. To evaluate the effect on improvement of mobility range of the upper limb muscle strength and fatigue resistance in a patient with Duchenne-Erb's palsy after the use of virtual reality through the Nintendo Wii® as a therapeutic modality. Method. The patient was evaluated before and after treatment through the test of Box and Blocks, by photogrammetry, dynamometry and the modified Borg scale. The therapeutic intervention was performed using the Nintendo Wii® for 15 sessions. Results. After using the console as treatment, increased muscle strength was tested in flexion as well as the number of blocks transported per minute. It was not shown any increase in elbow extension and increased muscle fatigue occurred during the sessions. Conclusions. This study suggests that intervention by using virtual reality, can improve functionality and to prevent muscle shortening in these patients.