Effects of Action Observation Therapy Based on Virtual Reality for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Stroke
This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effectiveness of combining Action Observation (AO) with Virtual Reality (VR) in improving upper limb function for stroke patients compared to AO therapy alone. Individuals who meet the inclusion criteria will be assigned by lottery into one of two groups: Group A will receive only AO therapy, watching daily actions and then executing them, while Group B will receive both AO and VR therapy, using VR glasses to complete tasks. The Box and Block Test for manual dexterity, the Timed Test, the Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity, the Rankin Scale for symptom severity, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor, balance, sensation, and joint function will all be used in the evaluation, both before and after the intervention. Every participant will go through 18 sessions totaling 60
• • Both Male \& Female
‣ 40-60 years of age
⁃ Primarily motor symptoms with unilateral upper limb paresis (controlled via standard neurological examination)
⁃ Residual movement ability of the paretic upper limb, controlled by Medical Research Council (MRC) index (\> 2 and \< 4), active use of the hemiplegic limb, from minimal (mainly for assistance tasks to the preserved limb) to discrete (characterized by coarse manipulation and an inability to perform precision grip)
⁃ mini-mental state examination (MME) score ≥27
⁃ Sufficient cooperation and cognitive understanding to participate to the activities, controlled by the investigator recruiting the patient