Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Task-Oriented Training for Enhancing Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Patients With Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Stroke frequently causes persistent motor impairment and dependence in activities of daily living (ADL). Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, repetitive, task‑specific training that may promote neuroplasticity. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of VR-based task-oriented training in enhancing motor function and ADL among patients during the subacute phase of stroke recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eligible patients with stroke (April 2022-March 2024) were randomly allocated to either a control group (conventional task-oriented training) or intervention group (VR-based task-oriented training) using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Both cohorts received standard rehabilitation. Changes in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Barthel Index scores over 4 weeks served as the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. All 64 patients completed the study, with no dropouts. RESULTS A total of 64 patients were enrolled, with 32 individuals each in the control and intervention groups. Baseline characteristics and initial scores showed no significant differences (all P>0.05). After 4 weeks, analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline values demonstrated that the intervention group achieved significantly higher adjusted mean scores across all parameters: Total FMA (P<0.001, ηp²=0.526), FMA-upper extremity (P<0.001, ηp²=0.458), FMA-lower extremity (P<0.001, ηp²=0.475), and Barthel Index (P<0.001, hp²=0.536). CONCLUSIONS VR-based task-oriented training was associated with significantly greater improvements in motor function and ADL compared with traditional methods. The observed improvements exceeded established minimal clinically important differences, suggesting clinical relevance. This technology serves as a promising adjunct to stroke rehabilitation, although further large-scale research is recommended.