Effect of Virtual Reality Exercise and Mirror Exercise on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients: A Review Article

NABIL H.M. IBRAHIM, M.D.***, WADIDA H. ABD ELKADER, Ph.D.*; NABIL M. ABDEL-AAL, Ph.D.*; AMNA K. AQL, M.Sc.** And

doi:10.21608/mjcu.2024.389915

Effect of Virtual Reality Exercise and Mirror Exercise on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients: A Review Article

Document Type : Original Article

Author

WADIDA H. ABD ELKADER, Ph.D.*; NABIL M. ABDEL-AAL, Ph.D.*; AMNA K. AQL, M.Sc.** and NABIL H.M. IBRAHIM, M.D.***

The Department of Physical Therapy, Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University*, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science & Technology** and Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University***

10.21608/mjcu.2024.389915

Abstract

Abstract Background: Virtual reality exercise (VRE) and mirror ex-ercise (ME) are two innovative approaches being explored for improving function of upper extremity in stroke patients. Both exercise types have shown pledge in enhancing motor recovery and reducing the risk of complications associated with stroke. While traditional physical therapy methods have been the pri-mary focus for rehabilitation, the integration of VRE and ME offers a new frontier in rehabilitation of stroke patients. This study highlights the importance of exploring these novel inter-ventions to better understand their effects on upperextremity-function in stroke patients. Aim of Study: Is to review the effect of the VRE and mir-ror therapy (MT) on upper limb sensory motor function, gross manual dexterity, hand grip strength, and pinch grip strength of stroke patients. Conclusion: Virtual reality exercises and mirror exercis-es show promise as a non-harmful, feasible, and effective ap-proach for enhancing upper limb function in stroke patients. However, to fully establish their clinical effectiveness and develop standardized protocols, additional high-quality rand-omized controlled trials are still required.

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