The Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Unilateral Spatial Neglect in Stroke Patients
By Kim, Yong Mi; Chun, Min Ho; Yun, Gi Jeong; Song, Young Jin; Young, Han Eun; Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol 35, Number 3Publication Date: June 2011
Study sought to determine if virtual reality (VR) therapy would improve unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients as compared to conventional rehabilitation programs. Unilateral spatial neglect is defined as a syndrome in which stroke patients act as if whole regions of space contralateral to their damage brain lesions do not exist although their visual field is normal. Participants were 24 stroke patients with a mean age of 64.7 years, 10 of whom were female. Participants were randomly assigned to either a VR or a control group. The VR group received VR training which stimulated the left side of their bodies. The VR equipment used was an IREX system consisting of a monitor, a video camera, computer-recognizing gloves, and virtual objects. The control group received conventional neglect therapy such as visual scanning training. Both groups received therapy for 30 minutes a day, five days per week for three weeks. Outcome measurements taken before and after intervention included star cancellation test, line bisection test, the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) assessing function in performance of daily activities, and the Korean version of the modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) gauging the assistance needed in performing daily activities. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics and initial values between the two groups. The changes in star cancellation test results and CBS in the VR group were significantly higher than those of the control group after treatment. The changes in line bisection test score and the K-MBI in the VR group were not statistically significant.
Published by: Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (Website:http://karm.or.kr/)
Link to text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3309210/?tool=pmcentrez
