Title: Development and validation of virtual reality combined with shoulder wheel device for active rehabilitation training

Authors: Mohammad Reza Hosaini; Hamid Khabiri; Hamid Sharini; Vahab Dehlaghi; Ali Safarpoor

Addresses: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran ' Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran ' Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran ' Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran

Abstract: In light of prevalent shoulder impairments among stroke survivors, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a virtual reality-based rehabilitation system on enhancing active rehabilitation time during shoulder exercises. Thirty stroke patients were divided into two groups: one received conventional shoulder wheel therapy combined with virtual reality, while control group received only shoulder wheel therapy. Clinical assessments, including action research arm test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment, along with functional testing (torque) were conducted three times over a 15-day interval, with a reaction rate test administered at the end of rehabilitation. Results demonstrated that virtual reality-based rehabilitation significantly improved torque, reaction rate, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment functional test compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the action research arm test assessments. This study suggests that virtual reality can play a crucial role in enhancing shoulder functions and increasing active rehabilitation time for stroke patients.

Keywords: motor impairment; shoulder wheel; elbow and shoulder rehabilitation; virtual reality; motivational environment; active rehabilitation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2024.141570

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2024 Vol.46 No.2, pp.116 - 137

Received: 03 Nov 2023
Accepted: 13 Feb 2024
Published online: 24 Sep 2024 *

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