Effectiveness of Early Intervention With Virtual Reality-Based Interactive Rehabilitation on Upper Extremity Muscle Strength, Cognitive Status, Hospital Anxiety, and Exercise Self-Efficacy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Project Title:

Effectiveness of Early Intervention Using a Virtual Reality Motion-Sensing Rehabilitation System on Improving Upper Limb Muscle Strength, Cognitive Status, and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

I. Project Description This study is divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group will utilize a Virtual Reality (VR) motion-sensing rehabilitation APP, while the control group will receive traditional rehabilitation. The study aims to verify the outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of early rehabilitation intervention using the VR motion-sensing APP in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

The planned sample size is 50 participants for the experimental group and 50 participants for the traditional rehabilitation group, totaling 100 participants. The recruitment sites are the Neurology Wards and the Stroke and Neurointensive Care Unit (SNICU) of Tri-Service General Hospital. The total duration of the study, including data analysis, is approximately one year.

II. Research Objectives Current research on rehabilitation training for patients after acute ischemic stroke predominantly focuses on the period from the post-acute phase up to six months. The primary objective of this study is to explore the effects of providing early virtual rehabilitation intervention-initiated 24 hours after a confirmed diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke-on the improvement of upper limb muscle strength, cognitive status, and the enhancement of patients' self-efficacy. By investigating these objectives, the study aims to provide a more effective method for early rehabilitation intervention during the acute phase of ischemic stroke and to boost patients' motivation for rehabilitation training.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke with ICD-10 codes: G45-G46.8, I63-I68.8.
• Within 10 days (inclusive) of stroke symptom onset.
• Age 18~85 years or older.

Exclusion criteria

• Comorbid neuromuscular or orthopedic conditions affecting upper limb function.)
• Recurrence of stroke or onset of seizures during the study period.
• Severe visual impairment or visuospatial neglect.
• Inability to cooperate or refusal to participate in the study.