Virtual reality in post-stroke neurorehabilitation – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Stroke is a neurological disorder and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The patient may lose the ability to adequately move the extremities, perceive sensations, or ambulate independently. Recent experimental studies have reported the beneficial influence of virtual reality training strategies on improving overall functional abilities for stroke survivors.Methods Conducted a systematic review of the literature using the following keywords to retrieve the data: stroke, virtual reality, motor deficits, neurorehabilitation, cognitive impairments, and sensory deficits. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed for seven scales – one cognitive (MMSE) and six motor (Fugl-Meyer, Berg Balance Scale, Time up and go, Wolf motor function, 10 m walk, Brunnstrom score)Objective To organize and compare all the available data regarding the effectiveness of virtual reality for stroke rehabilitationResults This literature reviewed 150 studies and included 46 for qualitative and 27 for quantitative analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in MMSE score (MD = 0.24, 95%CI = ((−0.42) -(0.9)), p = .47, I2 = 0%) and Fugl-Meyer score (MD = (−0.38), 95%CI = ((−12.88)-(12.11)), p = .95, I2 = 98%) . The statistical significance was not reached in any of the other outcomes.Conclusions This review supports that stroke rehabilitation programs incorporating virtual reality are associated with improved functional outcomes, but there is no statistically significant difference compared to standard therapy.