BILATERAL MOVEMENT-BASED COMPUTER GAMES IMPROVE SENSORIMOTOR FUNCTIONS IN SUBACUTE STROKE SURVIVORS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: Previous studies have reported that movement-based computer gaming is more effective than conventional intervention in enhancing upper limb rehabilitation. Objective: To evaluate whether the use of bilateral movement-based computer games could augment the effects of conventional intervention in improving the upper limb motor function, grip strength and health-related quality of life of subacute stroke survivors. Methods: A total of 93 subjects with subacute stroke were randomized into 2 groups receiving one of two 3.5-h interventions for 2 days per week over 8 weeks: (i) bilateral movement-based computer games + conventional rehabilitation; and (ii) -video-directed exercise + conventional rehabilitation (control group). Results: A total of 83 subjects completed the interventions and follow-up assessments. Compared with video-directed exercise + conventional rehabilitation, bilateral movement-based computer games + conventional rehabilitation produced greater improvements in upper limb motor impairment from mid-treatment to follow-up 1 month post-intervention, greater improvements in upper limb function from post-intervention to 1 month follow-up, and earlier improvements in grip strength (paretic) from mid-intervention to follow-up 1 month post-intervention. Subjects who received bilateral movement-based computer games + conventional rehabilitation also continued to improve in motor function from post-intervention to 1 month post-intervention. Conclusion: Bilateral movement-based computer games may serve as an adjuvant therapy to conventional rehabilitation programmes for improving upper limb recovery among stroke survivors.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate whether bilateral movement-based computer games could enhance the effects of conventional intervention in improving upper limb motor function, grip strength, and health-related quality of life of subacute stroke survivors. The results showed that the group receiving bilateral movement-based computer games + conventional rehabilitation had greater improvements in upper limb motor impairment, upper limb function, and grip strength compared to the control group. Additionally, the patients who received bilateral movement-based computer games continued to improve in motor function even after the intervention.