Virtual reality in the rehabilitation of the upper limb after hemiplegic stroke: a randomised pilot study

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of an RCT to investigate VR mediated therapy in comparison to standard physiotherapy alone in the motor rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke, and to provide data to inform a power analysis to determine numbers for a future trial. A single blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from two hospital stroke units and members of local Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association clubs. The Upper Limb Motricity Index, Action Research Arm Test were completed at baseline, post-intervention and 6 weeks follow-up. 18 participants were randomised to either a VR mediated upper limb therapy group or a standard therapy group. No significant between group differences were noted. Both groups reported some small changes to their upper limb activity levels. Both interventions seemed to have been acceptable to participants. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of virtual reality mediated therapy for the upper limb compared to standard therapy. Forty-eight participants (24 per group) would be needed to complete an adequately powered study.