Background: Nonimmersive virtual reality training (NIVRT) can be used to continue rehabilitative exercise for stroke recovery at home after discharge from inpatient or outpatient therapy. Objective: The objectives of this randomized controlled feasibility trial were to assess home-based NIVRT as telerehabilitation with patients living with stroke, and its potential to improve standing function and gait. Methods: Patients approaching discharge from inpatient or outpatient stroke rehabilitation were randomly allocated to NIVRT or iPad interventions. NIVRT provided interactive games and exercises designed to improve balance, stepping, and aerobic capacity. iPad apps addressed cognition and fine motor skills. Participants were visited in their homes by a physiotherapist, taught to use the program, and asked to do 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week for 6 weeks, asynchronously. Feasibility was assessed by measuring recruitment, adherence, ability to set up and learn NIVRT, enjoyment, intent to continue, perception of impact, and safety. Participants completed assessments of standing balance, gait, and general function, before and after the intervention, by a blinded assessor. Results: NIVRT participants (n=11; 10 male participants; mean age 64, SD 12 years) did an average of 26 sessions (total 700 minutes), while iPad participants (n=9; 6 male participants; mean age 61, SD 20 years) did an average of 33 sessions (total 1241 minutes). Space was tight in 5 homes. All but 1 participant learned NIVRT and progressed. Most enjoyed it and felt that it improved their recovery. There were no serious adverse events. Most assessments showed improvement over time for both groups. Conclusions: Home-based NIVRT is safe and feasible to continue rehabilitative exercise after discharge. More research on efficacy and effectiveness in this population is required. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03261713; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03261713
Virtual reality training (VRT) uses computer software to track a user’s movements and allow him or her to interact with a game presented on a television screen. VRT is increasingly being used for the rehabilitation of arm function, balance and walking after stroke. Patients often require ongoing therapy post discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Outpatient therapy may be limited or inaccessible due to waiting lists, transportation issues, distance etc.; therefore, home-based VRT could provide the required therapy in a more convenient and accessible setting. The objectives of this parallel randomized feasibility trial are to determine (1) the feasibility of using VRT in the home post stroke and (2) the feasibility of a battery of quantitative and qualitative outcome measures of stroke recovery.