Virtual reality and haptics as a training device for movement rehabilitation after stroke: a single-case study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether training in a virtual environment with a haptic device will improve motor function in the left hemiparetic arm of a stroke subject.


METHODS
Single case, A-B-A design.


METHODS
University hospital research laboratory.


METHODS
A man in his late fifties (right handed), with a right-hemisphere lesion that caused a deficit in the left upper extremity.


METHODS
The subject trained with a 3-dimensional computer game during a 4-week period that consisted of twelve 90-minute sessions.


METHODS
Three tests (Purdue pegboard test, dynamometer hand-grip strength, upper-extremity test) and a subjective interview were used to evaluate motor performance.


RESULTS
Improvements were found in fine manual dexterity, grip force, and motor control of the affected upper extremity. The subject reported that there was a change in his day-to-day use of the upper extremity and that he was able to use it in activities that were previously impossible for him.


CONCLUSIONS
Training with virtual reality and haptics can promote motor rehabilitation.
Mednet, Göteborg, Sweden. jurgen.broeren@mednet.gu.se
Jurgen
J
Broeren
Martin
M
Rydmark
Katharina Stibrant
KS
Sunnerhagen
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications; D003867:Depth Perception; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards