Nicholas Guaragno, James Perry, Mark Safronsky

Objective: This study assessed if the therapeutic use of bilateral virtual reality (VR) therapy led to increased functional daily use of the hemiparetic limb in adult’s post chronic stroke. 

Methods: a quasi-experimental case study was completed with 3 adults (ages 70-84) with chronic stroke symptoms who were living in a long-term care facility or at home in the community. The participants each received bilateral VR intervention 3 times a week for 50 minutes each session over 3 weeks. The primary outcome measures were assessed on the first and final days of the intervention. Using the Chedoke Hand and Arm Test (CHACHI), to gather quantitative data on increased functional limb use, and Motor Activity Log (MAL) was used to gather quantitative descriptive data on the client's perceived use of the hemiparetic limb. The data gathered from these assessments was analyzed to assess if trends of increased functional use of the hemiparetic upper limb were observed.

 Results: The data from the participant's CHACHI, and Motor Activity Log assessments revealed trends of increased functional use of the hemiparetic upper extremity due to therapeutic bilateral VR intervention despite the age of their stroke.  

Conclusion: The findings of our study provide preliminary evidence to suggest that bilateral VR intervention can increase functional use of the hemiparetic limb in adult’s post chronic stroke.