Efficacy of a video-based physical therapy and rehabilitation system in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia: A randomized, controlled, pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of video-based virtual reality exercises performed using the LeapMotion® device and Fizyosoft® software on the hand and upper extremity functions of patients with hemiplegia. Materials and Method: The mean age of the patients in the study group was 63.6 ± 7.1 years and the duration of the disease was 13 ± 10.74 months. The mean age of the patients in the control group was 63.6 ± 9.2 years and the duration of the disease was 10 ± 9.89 months. This study was a randomized, controlled, single-blind study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Both groups were arranged to undergo a combination of a neurophysiological and a conventional exercise program and physical therapy. In addition, virtual reality training therapy was administered in the experimental group using the LeapMotion® device. The patients’ range-of-motion (ROM) was measured using the Fizyosoft® software, which operates with the LeapMotion® device, and their upper extremity and general function status was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity motor impairment (FMA-UE) scale, the Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) scale, the Barthel Index (BI), and the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) scale at the beginning and end of treatment. Results: Significant improvements were noted after treatment in the upper extremity range-of-motion values as well as in FMA-UE, BRS, BI, and FAC scores in the experimental and control groups. Additionally, there were significant differences in the ROM measurements of the hand and wrist joints between the groups. However, no significant differences in clinical test results were observed between the groups. Conclusion: Virtual reality exercises have a positive effect on range-of-motion measurements in stroke patients. Studies with a larger number of participants are needed to demonstrate results more clearly using other scales.