Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Management Of Dysphagia In Tracheostomized Patients: A Narrative Review, Chih-En Liu, Shu-Mei Yang, Ming-Yen Hsiao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Swallowing disorders are prevalent in tracheostomized patients and are associated with a high incidence of aspiration. This narrative review discusses the primary causes and subsequent management strategies for dysphagia in this population. Factors such as reduced laryngeal elevation, compromised hypopharyngeal and laryngeal sensations, impaired vocal cord function, loss of glottic airflow and subglottic pressure, weakened cough reflex, increased respiratory secretions, and disuse muscle atrophy have been identified as major contributors. These challenges can lead to severe complications, including aspiration pneumonia and respiratory failure. Comprehensive evaluations that combine clinical assessments with a thorough review of a patient’s medical history are crucial. …

Application Of Intravenous Laser Irradiation Of Blood (Ilib) In Physical Medicine: A Narrative Review, Ya-Chi Chuang, Yuan-Yang Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) involves a type of intravascular treatment which applies a helium-neon laser possessing a wavelength of 632.8nm. Since its first use in 1981 by Russian scientists, it is now widely applied in the treatment of various diseases, including chronic musculoskeletal pain, wound healing, spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and acute kidney injury. The underlying mechanism for ILIB may be associated with its anti-oxidative (through regulating the reactive oxygen species systems) and anti-inflammatory effects (by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines). Moreover, positive effects on …

Clinical Application Of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring During Resection Of A Spinal Tumor: A Case Report, Chia-Hung Hou, Sanford P C Hsu, Pang-Wei Chang, Chen-Liang Chou, Tsui-Fen Yang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Surgical resection of a spinal tumor is the first choice of treatment in clinical practice, however it carries a significant risk of creating new postoperative neurological deficits. It is believed that the concomitant use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during tumor resection can not only increase safety of the procedure, but also improve surgical outcomes.

Case description:

A 52-year-old female who was in good health and neurologically intact presented with intermittent claudication, numbness and weakness of bilateral lower extremities, and bowel and urinary incontinence in June 2021. L-spine MRI revealed an intradural extramedullary tumor at T8 level. She received T7-9 …

Early Intervention In A Child With Aymé-Gripp Syndrome: A Case Report, Liang-Jun Ou-Yang, Pei-Hsuan Huang, Hsiang-Ning Chang, Chih-Chi Chen, Chia-Ling Chen, Chia-Ying Chung

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Aymé-Gripp syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disease. The de novo pathogenic variant of the MAF gene, located at 16q23.2, is considered the primary common cause of this disease. The pathogenic variant causes interference with lens and eye development and embryonic development. Patients with Aymé-Gripp syndrome typically present with bilateral cataracts, bilateral congenital sensorineural hearing loss, and Down syndrome-like facial features. Dual sensory impairment is observed in these patients. Delayed developmental milestones in the aspect of gross motor, fine motor, speech, and language, cognitive function, and social interaction can be detected early in life. Here we presented a 4-year-old male …

Pseudomeningocele Following Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: A Case Report, Shih-Ting Huang, Ming-Hsun Lee, Simon-Fuk Tan Tang, Ching-Yu Wang, Yu-Ting Hsieh

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

An injury to the brachial plexus can lead to the development of a pseudomeningocele, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the subarachnoid space caused by tears in the affected root sleeves. External forces acting on the brachial plexus represent the main mechanism of injury. The resulting stretching and tearing of the meninges outside the nerve root led to the pseudomeningocele. Although often initially asymptomatic, a pseudomeningocele can eventually cause pain, paresthesia, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to identify the injury, and treatment can involve either …

Evaluations Of Exercise Intolerance With Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests In A 24-Year-Old Young Male With Obesity With Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency: A Case Report, Chun-Yu Chen, Shin-Tsu Chang, Ko-Long Lin, Mu-Hsun Wu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare amino acid metabolism genetic disorder. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) metabolism defects cause variant PKU. BH4 coenzyme deficiency disables phenylalanine metabolism into tyrosine, causing brain damage and intellectual impairment. Patients follow a low-phenylalanine diet for life, increasing the risk of obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. A 24-year-old male patient with BH4 deficiency underwent a pulmonary function test and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were within normal values, with an 80.68% ratio. The 20-watt bicycle exercise test indicated moderate functional impairment (27.3 ml/kg/min of peak oxygen intake). The …

Clinical Multimedia: Ultrasound Examination Of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear, Yu-Xuan Wu, Chien-Ping Chen, Hung-Jui Chuang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

This report outlines the case of a 52-year-old woman with continuous left knee pain. An initial assessment, suggesting a meniscal tear based on joint line tenderness and a positive McMurray test, led to an ultrasonographic investigation. The ultrasound revealed left medial meniscus extrusion without positional change from full extension to 90° flexion, a hypoechoic cleft in the medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) area, and the notable absence of the MMPR anterior to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), identified as the ultrasonographic ghost sign. A subsequent MRI confirmed a medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT). MMPRT is known to cause biomechanical …

Evaluating Dysphagia In Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile, Ting-Huan Chen, Bai-Hong Chen, Shih-Chung Chang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background/Purpose: To clarify the characteristics of dysphagia in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) by using modified barium swallow impairment profile (MBSImP) scoring in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Methods: This retrospective study included the data of 10 patients with CSCI (9 men and 1 woman) with dysphagia admitted to the rehabilitation ward of a university medical hospital who had undergone VFSS. The patients’ oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal impairments were evaluated using the MBSImP. Results: Comprising the MBSImP overall score, the median oral impairment total score (OT) was 10.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9–11), the median pharyngeal impairment total score …

Effect Of Robotic Training On The Mobility Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Fu-An Yang, Ya-Chu Shih, Li-Fong Lin, Chih-Wei Peng, Chien-Hung Lai, Tsan-Hon Liou, Reuben Escorpizo, Hung-Chou Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of robotic training on the mobility of children with cerebral palsy. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies from their inception to June 17, 2023. We selected studies that (1) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (2) included patients with cerebral palsy aged years, (3) compared robotic training with conventional rehabilitation alone, and (4) reported mobility outcomes. Continuous variables are expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. We included …

Effectiveness Of Specialized Oral Care For Post-Acute Stroke Patients, Hui-Chuan Chen, Hsiao-Han Wei, Yi-Hsuan Yang, Hsial-Lun To, Hsiao-Fan Wang, Ying-Han Hong

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

(1) Background: Poor oral health is a common problem in stroke patients. In Taiwan, there are professional oral care processes for patients with special needs such as stroke patients, which are guided by dental hygienists. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of specialized oral care for hospitalized stroke patients; (2) Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Rehabilitation ward at the Taipei City Hospital. Sixty-six patients were randomly divided into two groups. The specialized oral care group (n=34) was guided by dental hygienists. The control group (n=32) received only routine oral care. The oral health outcome measure was …

Effect Of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation On Gait Function And Strength Among Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: A Meta-Analysis, Yen-Ting Chen, Yu-Chi Su, Yu-Ching Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Purpose: This meta-anaylysis investigated the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the context of spinal cord injury (SCI). The study focused on assessing its impact on muscle strength and gait speed, measured through the lower extremities motor score of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and 10-Meter Walk Test scores(10MWT). Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for articles published through Oct 2023. We enrolled only randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used for quality assessment. Outcomes were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We …

Effects Of Alcohol Consumption Following Resistance Training: A Narrative Review Of Physical Performance And Metabolic Recovery, Yueh-Tung Pan, Chueh-Hung Wu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Resistance training is a popular exercise modality that aims to increase muscle strength, power, and endurance. Meanwhile, alcohol is a widely used recreational beverage that has been found to negatively affect physical performance and recovery. Thus, understanding the effects of alcohol consumption following resistance training is crucial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Method: A literature search from 2010 to 2022 was conducted on the PubMed database to identify relevant studies investigating the effects of alcohol consumption after resistance training. The following search terms were used: "alcohol," "resistance training," "physical performance," "recovery," and "metabolism." Only studies published with human participants …

Delayed Localized Hypersensitivity Reactions To An Adenoviral Vector Vaccine—A Literature Review And A Case Report With Serial Ultrasonography Follow-Up, Chih-Ying Wu, Chien-Min Chen, Szu-Han Wang, Chia-Hung Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has changed our life worldwide. Vaccination plays an important role in this pandemic to reduce virus transmission and lower the mortality risk. However, as vaccination rates increase, so do the reported adverse effects. This report describes a case of 28-year-old female with severe subcutaneous swelling persisting almost 1 month after receiving the recombinant adenoviral vector vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCov-19, AZD1222), despite paracetamol prophylaxis. The ultrasonography showed a hyperechoic swelling in the subcutaneous layer and a diffuse hypoechoic muscle layer. The phenomenon results from delayed hypersensitivity, however, its clinical picture is often confused with cellulitis and …

Entrapment Of The Deep Branch Of The Radial Nerve By An Intramuscular Lipoma: A Case Report, Yann-Rong Chen, Ying-Chen Kuo, Yu-Hsien Lin, Yu-Ting Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Lipomas are benign tumors that are common in subcutaneous tissue and are usually asymptomatic. However, intramuscular lipomas, which are less common, can cause nerve compression in rare cases. Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old man with an intramuscular lipoma on his right forearm. The lipoma entrapped the deep branch of the radial nerve and caused wrist drop and finger drop. A nerve conduction examination and electromyography were conducted to quantify the degree of and localize the nerve injury. Sonography provided the initial diagnosis of a lipoma, which was verified with magnetic resonance imaging. The lipoma was resected, and …

Intra-Articular Injection Therapy In Knee Osteoarthropathy: A Narrative Review, Alan Chang, Yi-Hsiang Chiu, Chueh-Hung Wu, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Knee osteoarthropathy is a common degenerative joint disorder that can cause pain and functional impairment in affected individuals. Various intra-articular injection therapies have been explored as potential treatments for knee osteoarthropathy, including corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, dextrose and platelet-rich plasma. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is commonly used for short-term pain relief. Patients with higher baseline pain level and milder changes of degeneration on imaging may benefit more from corticosteroid injection. However, excessive use may lead to detrimental effects on joint tissues. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections have demonstrated positive effects in improving pain and function, as well as delaying the need for total …

The Taiwan Version Of The Milestones 2.0 Project For Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Residents, Kai-Hua Chen, Shin-Liang Pan, Wen-Hsuan Hou, Nai-Hsin Meng, Jan-Wei Chiu, Huan-Jui Yeh, Hung-Chou Chen, Yu-Chi Huang, Ming-Miau Tsai, Yen-Nung Lin, Hung Yu Cheng, Tsan-Hon Liou, Chung Chao Liang, Simon Tang, Wai-Keung Lee, Chung-Lan Kao, Jiunn-Horng Kang, Yu-Tai Chang, Co Yih Siow, Jin-Shin Lai

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Milestones provide a framework for evaluating the trajectory of residency performance, which is one of the important works promoted by the Joint Commission of Taiwan for improving the quality of residency training. The current report aims to (1) introduce the translation and modification of the Taiwan version of the Milestones 2.0 Project for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents (Taiwan PMR Milestones 2.0 Project), (2) document the preliminary data in the first year and (3) highlight the ongoing and future plan. Methods: In January 2022, the Taiwan Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation organised a Milestones working group consisting of …

Prognosis Of Paraplegia After Receiving Transarterial Chemoembolization For Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report, I-Wei Chen, Hsueh-Chou Lai, Chien-Lin Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment for patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer staging system stage B hepatocellular carcinoma. However, various TACE complications have been reported, and spinal infarction is one of the rarest. To date, only six specific case reports written in English have been published. We report a rare case of TACE-related spinal cord infarction and compare this case with cases in other reports and literature reviews. The patient experienced a sudden onset of paraplegia, sensory impairment below the T8 dermatome and had difficultly voiding immediately after TACE. The T2WI and DWI found hyperintensity 3.5 hours after …

Ultrasonography Can Be Early Diagnostic Modality For Pediatric Calcaneus Fractures: A Case Report, Ying-Chu Chen, Szu-En Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Although calcaneus fractures may be the most common pediatric tarsal bone fracture, most occult calcaneus fractures are not visible on plain radiography, resulting in delayed diagnosis. However, ultrasonography can aid early diagnosis of this fracture with an unspecified mechanism of injury and unremarkable radiographic findings. In a pediatric patient with progressive ankle swelling and pain, initial plain radiography was unremarkable, and antibiotics were administered for suspected infective arthritis. After limping developed, ultrasonography showed symmetric growth plates of bilateral distal tibia, fibula, and tarsal bone; a step-off calcaneus cortex with periosteal reaction; increased power Doppler flow; and probe tenderness, indicating a …

Efficacy Of A Compound Swallowing Training Program Incorporating Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Postoperative Chronic Dysphagia In Patients With Tongue Cancer, U-Hin Lai, Yu-Chi Huang, Ching-Yi Liao, Xiao-Rou Ding, Chau-Peng Leong

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Objective: To investigate therapeutic effects of a compound swallowing training program(CSTP) that includes neuromuscular electrical stimulation, swallowing muscle strengthening, posture training, food texture modification, and the use of adaptive feeding devices on chronic dysphagia after surgical treatment of tongue cancer(TC), and review the long-term swallowing outcomes and possible adverse effects.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective longitudinal study, we included patients with chronic dysphagia after surgical treatment of TC, who received a total of 10 CSTPs three times weekly, for one hour each time. Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Dysphagia Scale (FDS), and Swallowing Performance Rating Scale (SPS) scores were compared …

Referred Pain: A Case Report On Shoulder Pain Caused By A Mediastinal Tumor, Cheng-I Chen, Yao-Jen Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Shoulder pain has many etiologies, with the most common causes being the shoulder joint itself and the surrounding soft tissues, such as tendons, bursae, or ligaments. However, rare pathologies can occur. This report presents a case of chronic right shoulder pain eventually diagnosed as a rare case of extra-skeletal osteosarcoma. The referred right shoulder pain was likely caused by tumor invasion of the pericardium, whose sensory innervation is provided by the phrenic nerve. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the fact that, although rare, neoplasm can be a cause of shoulder pain. Rather than just relieving symptoms, …

Swallowing Function In Parkinson's Disease: Correlation With Disease Duration And Hoehn And Yahr Stage, Yi-Ya Pan, Hsueh-Pei Wang, Ruey-Meei Wu, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common complication of Parkinson's disease (PD). Swallowing assessment scales, videofluoroscopics wallowing study (VFSS), and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) are used to evaluate the swallowing function of patients with dysphagia. However, few studies have been conducted that assessed tongue muscle strength and hyoid bone movement in patients with PD. To better understand the correlation between disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage and swallowing function in patients with PD, this study evaluated the swallowing function in patients with PD using ultrasonography and Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Ultrasonography was performed to evaluate hyoid movement, and …

Ganglion Cyst Of Lumbrical Muscles: A Casereport, Pao-Sheng Wu, Chun-Te Lu, Valeria Chiu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Ganglion cysts arising from joints or tendons are commonly seen in our daily work as physiatrists, but those originating from muscles have been infrequently reported. In this casereport, we present a patient with a ganglion cyst arising from the fascia of the fourth lumbrical muscle in an occupational therapist, which has never been reported before. The lumbrical muscles of the hand vary greatly from other intrinsic muscles, because of their distinctive structure and function. A ganglion cyst that arises from the lumbrical muscle is supposed to affect the precise movement of the occupational therapist's hand. As a result, the early …

Herpes Zoster And Resultant Segmental Zoster Paresis: A Casereport And Literature Reviewarticle, Yen-Jou Ho, Hong-Yi Lin, Yao-Jen Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Herpes zoster (HZV) is ascribed to the reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the dorsal root ganglia. The most commonly seen manifestation is a painful skin rash. However, several additional complications have been documented in the literature. A less-mentioned yet severe complication is segmental zoster paresis (SZP), which can cause limb paralysis. SZP's mechanism is still under debate, and a direct invasion of motor fibers due to anatomical adjacency has been proposed. Here we report a patient who had sudden onset of left upper limb paresis and gradually developed a skin rash afterward, which a dermatologist confirmed as …

Viscosity Of Commercial Thickeners In Combination With Different Beverages Of Honey- And Nectar-Like Consistency And Their Change Over Time, Wei-Chun Che, Yuan-Ching Tsai, Meng-I Kuo, Tsan-Hon Liou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Objective: This study investigated the viscosity of four beverages (green tea, grape juice, sugar-free soy milk, and Ensure®) thickened to a nectar- and honey-like consistency with five thickening products (Resource® Thickenup® Clear, Toromeal, Toromi-up, eNutrition, and Sentosa) marketed in Taiwan. The sample viscosity over time was compared. Furthermore, the results were compared with the guidelines of National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) established by the American Dietetic Association. Methods: The viscosity was measured using the Brookfield RVDV-II+ Pro viscometer with small sample adaptor, shear rate set at 50 s-1, temperature at 25℃. Results: The results showed that almost all thickening products in …

Symptomatic Os Supranaviculare Incidentally Found In A Professional Baseball Player: A Casereport, Xuan-Er Shen, Hao-Hong Cai, Chuan-Chao Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Os supranaviculare is a rare skeletal anatomical variation with a prevalence of approximately 1%. Most patients are asymptomatic. Typically, os supranaviculare is discovered incidentally after an ankle injury or when os supranaviculare causes symptoms such as pain during activities or swelling of the ankle,. Os supranaviculare is often misdiagnosed as a stress fracture of the navicular bone or talus. Careful differential diagnosis should be considered to avoid mistreatment. casereport: A 24-year-old male athlete, who is an active Chinese Major League Baseball player, complained of swelling and pain on the dorsomedial side of his left ankle for about six months. …

Swallowing Dysfunction Following The Covid-19 Infection: A Literature Reviewarticle, I-Chun Liu, Yi-Hsiang Chiu, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), named by the World Health Organization in 2020, is a novel infectious disease, causing by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most symptoms, such as cough and fever, will be resolved following supportive management. However, a small number of patients will progress to respiratory distress or suffer other neurological problems that affect their swallowing function. Potential dysphagia mechanisms associated with COVID-19 include neurological complications, muscular disorder, and intensive care unit-acquired swallowing dysfunctions. As dysphagia results in a declined quality of life and increased risk of respiratory complications, early swallowing interventions are imperative after the acute …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Oral Sucking Habits And Types Of Articulation Errors In Preschool Children With Phonological Impairment, Hsiang-Chan Yen, Ching-Fei Lee, Su-Fen Liao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Phonological impairment (PI) is the most common impairment in preschool children with speech sound disorder (SSD). In preschool children with phonological disorders, the most common process is substitution, including fronting, backing, and devoicing. The parents of children with PI always complain that it is difficult for them to abstain from pacifier use or thumb sucking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the oral sucking habits of preschool children with PI, and to explore whether different sucking habits affect different types of PI. Methods: Children aged from 36 months to 72 months, who visited the Physical Medicine and …

The Influence Of Upper Limb Motor Function On The Activity Of Life And Quality Of Life In Stroke Patients, Wan-Ling Hsu, Chi-Tzu Feng, I-Shiang Tzeng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Objective: This study attempted to investigate the influence of upper limb motor function on activities of daily living(ADLs) and quality of life(QoL) in stroke patients. We also wanted to reveal whether a disparity exists in ADLs and QoL for patients with different upper limbs impairment. Methods: A total of 57 stroke patients (mean age=55.55±13.11 years old, onset time= 1.57±1.87 years) were analyzed in the study. Methods used to evaluate outcomes included Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) for assessing the motor function of upper limbs; functional independence measure (FIM) for assessing the independent of ADLs, and stoke impact scale (SIS) for evaluating the …

The Application Of Echo-Guided Injection Of Steroid And Botulinum Toxin Type A For Ankle Contracture In Traumatic Trans-Metatarsal Amputation: A Casereport, Ching Yu Wang, Simon F Tang, Yu Ting Hsieh

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

In this report we share 21 year-old young man with traumatic transmetatarsal amputation treated with multiple operations after few weeks of surgery. Foot equinovarus deformity was noted which leads to walking disability and affects daily activities. Patient was referred to us from orthopedic doctor because he hesitated to have another operation for Achilles tendon lengthening. During the physical examination, equinovarus foot with hip contracture were observed which may be caused by muscle imbalance or nerve injury. Nerve conduction velocity and electromyography tests (NCV/EMG) was arranged for differentiating between neurogenic contraction and myogenic contracture. Peroneal nerve injury was ruled outafter the …

Effect Of Playstation® Vr Sessions On Health-Related Quality Of Life And Motor Function In Stroke Patients Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation, Chien-Min Chen, Yi-Ching Huang, Kuan-Yu Kung, Yun-Chien Li, I-Lin Yen, Shih-Che Lin, Chu-Hsu Lin, Chia-Hung Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) systems have been introduced for rehabilitation of stroke patients. Existing evidence regarding the effects of fully-immersive commercial games on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and motor function in stroke patients is limited. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of seven supplemental PlayStation® VR sessions on the HRQOL and motor function of stroke patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation during a 16-day study period within the first year after stroke. Methods: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial with parallel groups (VR plus conventional therapy vs. conventional therapy) was carried out. For the assessment of outcome measures, the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) …