Comparison of individualized virtual reality- and group-based rehabilitation in older adults with chronic stroke in community settings: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Introduction This study aimed to compare the effects of individualized virtual reality (VR)- and group-based rehabilitation on upper extremity function, activities of daily living (ADL), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with chronic stroke in community settings. Methods Twenty-six older adults with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to the VR-based rehabilitation group (VRG) or the group-based rehabilitation group (GG). In both groups, a single 30-min session was conducted 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Manual Function Test (MFT), Box and Block Test (BBT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were administered. Results Between-group analysis revealed a greater improvement in the FMA (P = 0.004) and MFT (P = 0.008) in the VRG than in the GG. Within-group analysis confirmed an increase in the objectively measured upper extremity function, as assessed using the FMA (P < 0.001) and MFT (P < 0.001), in the VRG, whereas improvements in patient-reported measures, such as the MBI (P = 0.020) and the physical component of the SF-12 (P = 0.012), were observed in the GG. Conclusions Health professionals might need to consider the different effects of VR- and group-based rehabilitation programs in community settings when selecting treatment depending on the specific objective of rehabilitation.