Department of Occupational Therapy, Gwang-ju Women's University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Department of Physical Therapy, Wonkwang Health Science University, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2020;38(2):165-172. doi: 10.3233/RNN-190975.
Virtual reality (VR) training allows the creation of the most applicable practice environment incorporated into computer-generated multisensory imagery.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a virtual training program based on a RAPAEL smart glove on the upper extremity function and quality of life of community-dwelling individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke.
Thirty-six outpatients diagnosed as having a first stroke were selected to receive a therapeutic rehabilitation program at local rehabilitation units. Participants were allocated randomly into two groups: the non-immersive VR training (intervention) group and the recreational activity (control) group. The intervention group received non-immersive VR training using a RAPAEL smart glove for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group performed recreational activities for the same period and also participated in a conventional rehabilitation program for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 8 weeks as an additional therapy. To analyze the effects of the non-immersive VR intervention on upper extremity function, four clinical measures, namely the box and block test (BBT), the Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT), and a grip strength test, were used in this study. For the secondary clinical outcome, the trail-making test (TMT) was used to determine any improvement in cognitive function.
At week 8, upon completion of the non-immersive VR-training the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater WMFT scores (73.0±12.9 to 81.6±7.5), BBT scores (27.3±8.9 to 34.2±7.1), and grip strength (19.2±8.2 to 23.8±8.5) compared with WMFT scores (70.4±12.1 to 73.2±13.1), BBT scores (27.1±10.5 to 28.8±12.9), and grip strength (18.4±4.2 to 18.3±4.9) in the control group.
This study suggests that virtual upper extremity training using the RAPAEL smart glove has reasonable and beneficial effects on upper extremity and cognitive function for chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors.
虚拟现实（VR）训练允许创建最适用的实践环境，该环境包含计算机生成的多感觉图像。
本研究旨在探讨基于 RAPAEL 智能手套的虚拟训练计划对上肢功能和生活质量的影响。
选择 36 名被诊断为首次中风的门诊患者在当地康复单位接受治疗康复计划。参与者被随机分配到两组：非沉浸式 VR 训练（干预）组和娱乐活动（对照）组。干预组接受非沉浸式 VR 训练，使用 RAPAEL 智能手套，每次 30 分钟，每周 3 天，持续 8 周。对照组在同一时期进行娱乐活动，并作为额外治疗，每周 3 天，每次 30 分钟，参加常规康复计划。为了分析非沉浸式 VR 干预对上肢功能的影响，本研究使用了四项临床测量，即箱式和块式测试（BBT）、Wolf 运动功能测试（WMFT）、Jebsen-Taylor 手功能测试（JTT）和握力测试。对于次要临床结果，采用连线测试（TMT）来确定认知功能的任何改善。
在第 8 周，完成非沉浸式 VR 训练后，干预组的 WMFT 评分（73.0±12.9 至 81.6±7.5）、BBT 评分（27.3±8.9 至 34.2±7.1）和握力（19.2±8.2 至 23.8±8.5）明显高于 WMFT 评分（70.4±12.1 至 73.2±13.1）、BBT 评分（27.1±10.5 至 28.8±12.9）和握力（18.4±4.2 至 18.3±4.9）对照组。
本研究表明，使用 RAPAEL 智能手套进行的虚拟上肢训练对上肢和认知功能对慢性偏瘫中风幸存者具有合理和有益的影响。
