Graded repetitive arm supplementary programme (GRASP) and virtual reality to improve upper limb function in patients with acute stroke-An experimental study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The objective of the study is to improve upper limb function in patients with acute stroke using graded repetitive arm supplementary program (GRASP) and virtual reality. Stroke is described as an sudden neurological outburst brought on by impeded blood flow via the brain’s blood vessels. Stroke has an annual mortality rate of 5.5 million which is the 2nd leading cause of mortality. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients were randomly split into two groups, Group A and Group B in A.C.S Medical College and Hospital. Inclusion criteria were persons with first ever acute stroke confirmed by CT or MRI, modified Ashworth scale less than 2, Fugl-Meyer score between 10 to 57, age > 18, both genders, eager participants who are willing volunteers for the study. Exclusion criteria were who were mentally unstable, other neurological conditions, any orthopaedic conditions, modified Ashworth scale more than 2, Fugl Meyer score less than 10 or more than 57, age group < 18, patients with TIA were excluded. Group A trained with GRASP program. Group B trained with virtual reality. Both groups consist of 7 patients and training given for 8 weeks, 60 minutes per day for 6 days a week. Results: This study demonstrates a statistically significant difference between group A and group B in the hand-held dynamometer, Fugl-Meyer evaluation upper extremity, action research arm test, and EMG with a p value of 0.001. However, when compared to group B, group A exhibits greater relevance across the board. Conclusion: The study concludes that graded repetitive arm supplementary programme in acute stroke patients demonstrates good recovery in upper limb function.