COMPARING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRADITIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY COMBINED WITH VIRTUAL REALITY FOR POST-STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Stroke remains a major cause of long-term disability, often impairing motor function, balance, and overall quality of life. Traditional physiotherapy is a primary intervention for post-stroke rehabilitation, focusing on strength, coordination, and mobility. However, patient engagement and neuroplasticity-driven recovery may be limited with conventional therapy alone. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative rehabilitation tool, offering immersive, task-specific training that enhances motor learning and functional recovery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of integrating VR with traditional physiotherapy for post-stroke patients.

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of traditional physiotherapy alone versus traditional physiotherapy combined with VR in improving balance, trunk control, and quality of life among post-stroke patients.

Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted with 24 post-stroke patients, randomly assigned to two equal groups: one receiving traditional physiotherapy (n=12) and the other receiving traditional physiotherapy combined with VR (n=12). Rehabilitation outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks, and 14 weeks using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and the Short Form-12 Physical and Mental Component Scores (SF-12 PCS/MCS). Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test for within-group analysis and the Mann-Whitney U test for between-group comparisons.

Results: The VR group demonstrated superior improvements in balance (BBS: 1 week = 13.50, 6 weeks = 13.75, 14 weeks = 13.92 vs. traditional group 1 week = 11.50, 6 weeks = 11.25, 14 weeks = 11.08). Trunk control scores were significantly higher in the VR group at 1 week (14.50 vs. 10.50), 6 weeks (15.33 vs. 9.67), and 14 weeks (15.13 vs. 9.88). Mental health (SF-12 MCS) improved more in the VR group at 6 weeks (16.13 vs. 8.88) and 14 weeks (16.00 vs. 9.00), whereas physical health (SF-12 PCS) showed minimal between-group differences.

Conclusion: Integrating VR with traditional physiotherapy significantly enhances post-stroke rehabilitation outcomes, particularly in balance, trunk control, and mental well-being. These findings support the use of VR as a complementary therapy to optimize motor recovery. Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up periods is recommended to validate long-term effectiveness.