Objectives: To investigate the effects of adding interactive videogames to conventional rehabilitation programmes on radiological progression and upper extremity functional status.
Patients and methods: A total of 18 patients with hemiplegic stroke were randomized into two groups as conventional rehabilitation (control) group (n = 9), and the conventional rehabilitation + interactive videogames (intervention) group (n = 9). Each group received a 4-week program (5 days/week). Radiological progression (diffuse tensor imaging), and upper extremity functional status (upper extremity motor functioning part of the Fugl Meyer Assessment, self-care part of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Motor Activity Log) were assessed at baseline and 4-week later.
Results: While no changes were detected in radiological status in the intervention group (p > 0.05), some regions on the affected side were improved significantly in the control group (p < 0.05). Total upper extremity motor functioning part of the Fugl Meyer Assessment scores and the self-care part of the FIM scores significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05). No differences were detected in the amount of changes between groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: According to our results, adding videogames to a conventional rehabilitation program does not seem enhancing the radiological progression or the functional status of the upper extremities.
Keywords: Stroke; rehabilitation; virtual reality.