The aim of research: To assess the effectiveness of virtual reality based exercises for regaining motor functions, balance and quality of life in stroke survivors. Research goals: 1. To evaluate the movement amplitude and muscle strength of an affected arm of patients belonging to the treatment and the control groups before and after physiotherapy. 2. To evaluate the arm motor activity of patients belonging to the treatment and the control groups. 3. To evaluate the ability to keep balance of patients belonging to the treatment and the control groups before and after physiotherapy. 4. To analyse the quality of life of patients belonging to the treatment and the control groups before and after physiotherapy. The contingent, organisation and methodology of the research: The study included 20 individuals (11 men and 9 women) who had suffered a stroke previously. Subjects were divided into two groups: the first group (VR, n = 10) was treated using a combination of a usual physiotherapy and virtual reality games as additional treatment, while the second group (KIN, n = 10) was treated using only a usual physiotherapy. Before and after the study the muscle strength of the respondents was rated according to the Lovett scale, the balance was rated using Berg scale affected, and arm motor activity assessed with the help of Wolf motor activity scale. Range of motion was measured with a goniometer, and the quality of life was assessed using a questionnaire SF - 36. Conclusions: 1. When combined with virtual reality games, physiotherapy has the same positive impact on the range of motion and the muscle strength of an affected arm’s upper arm, forearm and wrist as the usual physiotherapy. 2. Introduction of virtual reality games shows an increased effect on affected arm’s motor activity when compared to the usual physiotherapy. 3. When combined with virtual reality games, physiotherapy has the same positive impact on the balance as the usual physiotherapy. 4. Introduction of virtual reality games proves to have greater impact on increasing the patients’ quality of life when compared to the usual physiotherapy. Practical recommendations: 1. The usage of Microsoft Kinect software and Xbox 360 games as a part of physiotherapy with stroke patients is recommended since virtual reality games improve patient's emotional and physical state. 2. Before the start of research it is recommended to familiarize the patients with the virtual reality games, to explain the concept of virtual reality, to explain what are the benefits of the technique for the recovery of damaged motor functions. 3. To perform the selection of virtual reality games carefully in order to ensure that a patient can perform the task using the affected half of the body without losing the balance. 4. Prior to launching a virtual reality game therapist must show the patients how to perform the task. 5. To monitor the general condition of the patients during the virtual reality exercise, to measure out the workload. 6. The study should involve more than 20 respondents in order to achieve more reliable data. 7. The use of Microsoft Kinect software requires enough space; therefore, it is advisable to find a suitable space where it would be possible to set up the equipment and to ensure that the respondent will have enough free space for movement during the game (Fig. 15). 8. During the study the games have been connected to the projector and broadcasted on the wall, so the image was not always clear enough and sometimes it was difficult for the respondents to see the image. Therefore, it is advisable to connect Xbox 360 console to the TV to ensure better image, that would make it easier for the respondents to see and perform the game tasks.
Virtualios realybės žaidimų poveikis motorinėms funkcijoms, pusiausvyrai ir gyvenimo kokybei po galvos smgenų insulto ; The effect of virtual reality on motor function, balance and quality of life in stroke survivors
2017-05-31
Hochschulschrift
Elektronische Ressource
Lithuanian , Englisch