Article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of virtual
reality-based rehabilitation on upper-extremity function in patients with brain
tumor. DESIGN: Patients with upper-extremity dysfunction were divided into
age-matched and tumor type-matched two groups. The intervention group performed
the virtual reality program 30 mins per session for 9 sessions and conventional
occupational therapy 30 mins per session for 6 sessions for 3 wks, whereas the
control group received conventional occupational therapy alone 30 mins per
session for 15 sessions for 3 wks. The Box and Block test, the Manual Function
test, and the Fugl-Meyer scale were used to evaluate upper-extremity function.
The Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index was used to assess activities of
daily living. RESULTS: Forty patients completed the study (20 for each group).
Each group exhibited significant posttreatment improvements in the Box and Block
test, Manual Function test, Fugl-Meyer scale, and Korean version of the Modified
Barthel Index scores. The Box and Block test, the Fugl-Meyer scale, and the
Manual Function test showed greater improvements in shoulder/elbow/forearm
function in the intervention group and hand function in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality-based rehabilitation combined with conventional
occupational therapy may be more effective than conventional occupational
therapy, especially for proximal upper-extremity function in patients with brain
tumor. Further studies considering hand function, such as use of virtual reality
programs that targeting hand use, are required.

Langue : ANGLAIS