Background:Virtual reality (VR) training allows the creation of the most applicable practice environment incorporated into computer-generated multisensory imagery. Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a virtual training program based on a RAPAEL smart glove on theupper extremity function and quality of life of community-dwelling individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods:Thirty-six outpatients diagnosed as having a first stroke were selected to receive a therapeutic rehabilitation program at local rehabilitation units. Participants were allocated randomly into two groups: the non-immersive VR training (intervention) group and the recreational activity (control) group. The intervention group received non-immersive VR training using a RAPAEL smart glove for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group performed recreational activities for the same period and also participated in a conventional rehabilitation program for 30 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 8 weeks as an additional therapy. To analyze the effects of the non-immersive VR intervention on upper extremity function, four clinical measures, namely the box and block test (BBT), the Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT), and a grip strength test, were used in this study. For the secondary clinical outcome, the trail-making test (TMT) was used to determine any improvement in cognitive function. Results:At week 8, upon completion of the non-immersive VR-training the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater WMFT scores (73.0±12.9 to 81.6±7.5), BBT scores (27.3±8.9 to 34.2±7.1), and grip strength (19.2±8.2 to 23.8±8.5) compared with WMFT scores (70.4±12.1 to 73.2±13.1), BBT scores (27.1±10.5 to 28.8±12.9), and grip strength (18.4±4.2 to 18.3±4.9) in the control group. Conclusions:This study suggests that virtual upper extremity training using the RAPAEL smart glove has reasonable and beneficial effects on upper extremity and cognitive function for chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors.

中文翻译：

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非沉浸式虚拟现实康复应用于中风患者的任务导向方法：随机对照试验。

背景：虚拟现实 (VR) 培训允许创建最适用的实践环境，并将其纳入计算机生成的多感官图像。目的：本研究的目的是调查基于 RAPAEL 智能手套的虚拟训练计划对社区慢性偏瘫患者上肢功能和生活质量的影响。方法：选择36名诊断为首次中风的门诊患者，在当地康复单位接受治疗性康复计划。参与者被随机分配到两组：非沉浸式 VR 训练（干预）组和娱乐活动（控制）组。干预组使用 RAPAEL 智能手套接受非沉浸式 VR 训练，每次 30 分钟，每周 3 天，持续 8 周。对照组在同一时期进行娱乐活动，并参加常规康复计划，每次 30 分钟，每周 3 天，持续 8 周，作为额外治疗。为分析非沉浸式 VR 干预对上肢功能的影响，四种临床措施，即箱块测试 (BBT)、沃尔夫运动功能测试 (WMFT)、捷成-泰勒手功能测试 (JTT)，本研究中使用了握力测试。对于次要临床结果，使用跟踪测试 (TMT) 来确定认知功能的任何改善。结果：在第 8 周，完成非沉浸式 VR 训练后，干预组表现出显着更高的 WMFT 评分（73.0±12.9 至 81.6±7.5）、BBT 评分（27.3±8.9 至 34.2±7.1）和握力（ 19.2±8.2 至 23.8±8。5）与对照组的WMFT评分（70.4±12.1～73.2±13.1）、BBT评分（27.1±10.5～28.8±12.9）、握力（18.4±4.2～18.3±4.9）比较。结论：本研究表明，使用 RAPAEL 智能手套进行虚拟上肢训练对慢性偏瘫中风幸存者的上肢和认知功能具有合理且有益的影响。