Effectiveness of virtual reality-based rehabilitation versus conventional therapy on upper limb motor function of chronic stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available randomized controlled trials in the literature concerning the application of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation interventions compared to conventional physical therapy, in regaining the upper limb motor function among patients with chronic stroke. METHODS: A systematic electronic database search was conducted for related studies published from inauguration and until June 25, 2020 in nine databases. Another new search was done on February 1, 2021 and no new studies were identified. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the analysis. Significant improvement was seen following the VR therapy in patients with chronic stroke, compared to their scores prior to it (SMD = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.03-0.53; p = .03). There was neither heterogeneity (I2 = 0% and P = .5) nor a risk of bias (P = .8) among the included studies. VR interventions produced a comparable effectiveness to that of the conventional rehabilitation, with no statistically significant difference (SMD = 0.15; 95% CI = -0.14-0.44; P = .3). There was neither heterogeneity (I2 = 40% and P = .1) nor a risk of bias (P = .5) among the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The upper limb motor function of patients with chronic stroke who underwent VR-based rehabilitative intervention showed significant improvement as compared to the pre-treatment state. Our analysis also revealed no superiority of VR interventions over conservative therapies; however, the difference observed did not accomplish statistical significance.

Using senses to encourage head and upper limb voluntary movement in young infants: Implications for early intervention.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: It has long been suggested that a neonate's movement and responses to external stimuli are the product of reflexive reactions rather than purposeful movements. However, several studies have demonstrated that this is not the case. Rationale of literature included: This study seeks to review reports showing that sensory stimuli resulted in newborns recognising and responding to different stimuli with active head or upper limb movements. We also discuss this in the context of current literature about early training on the advancement of movement and brain development. Results and outcomes: Taken together, it is clear that early active experience shapes learning in newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of this research is most exciting for applications that would induce infants to make purposeful movements, especially as a means for early intervention and rehabilitation for the treatment of infants with or at high risk for developmental delay.