A study to evaluate a low cost virtual reality system for home based rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke

Abstract

Stroke survivors with continuing impairment in their upper limb find it difficult to access the early intensive, task specific practice that research has shown is necessary for motor recovery. A systematic review of studies that investigate the effects of robot-assisted therapy on motor and functional recovery in patients with stroke, found significant improvement in upper limb motor function, but the systems reviewed are expensive, require technical support, and are hospital or laboratory based. This paper describes the development of a low cost home based system together with a suite of games which would allow patients to practice the movements required for activities of daily living at the frequency required. The ongoing feasibility study is described.