Authors' recommendations: There is limited published information on trials and studies which examined the use of virtual reality for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Those included in this summary are a high level of evidence but involved small numbers of patients who underwent rehabilitation with virtual reality for only a short period of time. Some patient benefits were observed especially in motor functioning rather than motor recovery. Larger, well-designed randomised trials to investigate the benefits and the potential risks of introducing virtual reality therapy into patient rehabilitation are required, especially to identify those patients who would benefit most from this therapy. The benefits of virtual reality therapy is that it can be delivered at home or in a therapeutic environment and can be delivered at low cost, however caution should used in the introduction of this therapy in an ad-hoc manner without evidence to support its beneficial effects.The evidence assessed is high-level but limited in amount. However, further studies reporting long-term outcomes are required to ascertain the potential for clinical benefit and to assess whether these benefits are maintained over time. Therefore HealthPACT does not intend to further review this technology.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)