Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT) to Improve Finger Dexterity in Post-stroke Survivors: A Preliminary Study on Feasibility at Home-based Intervention: A Preliminary Study on Feasibility at Home-based Intervention

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT) system, intended to improve finger dexterity in post-stroke patients. VRMT offers the ability of tracking fine finger and hand function. VRMT could benefit from the perspective of both realistic feedback and a game-like environment to increase motivation. Ten post stroke participants with upper limb hemiparesis were recruited for this study. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1 used the VRMT intervention; Group 2 used the Nine-hole peg (9HPT) test and Group 3 was the control group with no intervention. The results show that Groups 1 and 2 improved their 9HPT scores compared to Group 3. Feedback from participants highlighted functional issues which may have impacted on usability and motivation. The results of this study indicate that VRMT has the potential to improve finger function, can be used by post-stroke individuals and could increase engagement with therapeutic exercises post-conventional treatment