Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in physical impairments that require extensive rehabilitation to regain functional abilities. Traditional physical therapy approaches have limitations in engaging patients and providing personalized, motivating interventions. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool in stroke rehabilitation, offering immersive and interactive environments to enhance motor learning and recovery. This thesis explores the use of VR technology in physical therapy for stroke rehabilitation, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness, feasibility, and impact on patient outcomes. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to VR technology in stroke rehabilitation. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including study design, participants, interventions, outcome measures, data collection procedures, analysis methods, ethical considerations, and limitations. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings, including the effectiveness of VR technology in improving motor function, balance, gait, activities of daily living, and quality of life in stroke survivors. The chapter also explores the feasibility of integrating VR technology into clinical practice, patient adherence, therapist perspectives, and potential barriers and challenges. In conclusion, Chapter 5 summarizes the key findings of the study and discusses the implications for clinical practice, research, and future directions in the field of stroke rehabilitation using VR technology. The results suggest that VR-based interventions have the potential to enhance traditional physical therapy approaches, providing a more engaging and personalized rehabilitation experience for stroke survivors. Further research is needed to optimize VR interventions, tailor them to individual patient needs, and evaluate their long-term effects on functional outcomes and quality of life. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of VR technology in physical therapy for stroke rehabilitation, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance the delivery of rehabilitation services in clinical settings.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Physical Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation" aims to explore the potential benefits of utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology in the field of physical therapy, specifically for stroke rehabilitation. Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide, often resulting in motor impairments that require intensive rehabilitation to restore function and improve quality of life for affected individuals. Traditional physical therapy methods have been effective but can be limited in their ability to engage patients fully and provide personalized, motivating experiences. Virtual reality technology offers a promising alternative by creating immersive, interactive environments that can simulate real-life scenarios and activities. By incorporating VR into physical therapy sessions, patients can engage in enjoyable and challenging tasks that target specific motor skills, balance, coordination, and cognitive functions. The interactive nature of VR allows for real-time feedback, progress tracking, and customization of exercises based on individual needs and abilities. This research overview will delve into the existing literature on the use of virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation, examining studies that have investigated the efficacy of VR-based interventions on motor recovery, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction. By reviewing the current state of research in this field, we aim to identify gaps in knowledge, potential challenges, and opportunities for further exploration. The research methodology will involve a systematic review of relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and qualitative investigations. Data analysis will focus on comparing outcomes between traditional physical therapy approaches and VR-based interventions, assessing the impact of VR on various aspects of stroke rehabilitation, such as motor function, balance, gait, and activities of daily living. The findings from this study are expected to contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of virtual reality technology as a complementary tool in stroke rehabilitation. By synthesizing the existing evidence and highlighting key findings, this research aims to inform healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers about the potential benefits of integrating VR into clinical practice. Ultimately, the goal is to improve rehabilitation outcomes, enhance patient engagement and adherence, and optimize the delivery of care for individuals recovering from stroke.