Virtual Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation

Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effects of Virtual Reality (VR) as a treatment intervention to increase physical and cognitive function in stroke survivors.

In this pilot study, the objective is to determine if there is an increase in MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), MFRT (Modified Functional Reach Test), and FMA-UA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity) scores of participants who receive the VR intervention in addition to traditional inpatient rehabilitation standard of care (experimental group) versus participants who receive the traditional standard of care (control group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients Age 18 and older admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a projected LOS (length of stay) of 10 days or more within the open data collection period for treatment of ischemic stroke and agree to participate in the study in addition to traditional intensive rehabilitation therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individual patients who exhibit the following symptoms or medical history or are not medically cleared for participation will be excluded:
• History of, or high risk for, seizures
• Feed tube, tracheotomy, or other medical devices that would preclude the use or wear of the VR headset as it covers the face and head
• Blindness
• History of mental health issues such as schizophrenia, manic episodes, active psychosis, or other mental health issues that may be exacerbated by exposure to VR
• Open wounds that would preclude use for the VR headset