title: Effects of virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training on brain activity in post-stroke patients.
abstract: [Purpose] This study investigated the therapeutic effects of virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training on brain activity in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen chronic stroke patients were divided into two groups: the virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training group (n = 10) and the bilateral upper-limb training group (n = 8). The virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training group performed bilateral upper-extremity exercises in a virtual reality environment, while the bilateral upper-limb training group performed only bilateral upper-extremity exercise. All training was conducted 30 minutes per day, three times per week for six weeks, followed by brain activity evaluation. [Results] Electroencephalography showed significant increases in concentration in the frontopolar 2 and frontal 4 areas, and significant increases in brain activity in the frontopolar 1 and frontal 3 areas in the virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training group. [Conclusion] Virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training can improve the brain activity of stroke patients. Thus, virtual reality-based bilateral upper-extremity training is feasible and beneficial for improving brain activation in stroke patients.
authors: Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors: Su-Hyun
authors: SH
authors: Lee
authors: Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors: Yu-Mi
authors: YM
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors: Byoung-Hee
authors: BH
authors: Lee
keywords: Bilateral arm training; Stroke; Virtual reality