Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in impaired upper limb function. Traditional rehabilitation methods have limitations in engaging patients and providing personalized feedback. Virtual reality offers an interactive and engaging platform for rehabilitation, allowing for task-oriented practice and real-time feedback. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of VR-based rehabilitation on upper limb motor function, functionality, and quality of life in stroke survivors. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on the use of virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation, highlighting previous studies, methodologies, outcomes, and gaps in the literature. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including research design, participant recruitment, intervention protocol, outcome measures, data collection procedures, and data analysis methods. The study aims to recruit a sample of stroke survivors undergoing upper limb rehabilitation using a VR-based intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to assess changes in motor function, functionality, and quality of life before and after the intervention. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings, analyzing the impact of VR-based rehabilitation on upper limb motor function, functionality, and quality of life in stroke survivors. The results will be interpreted in the context of existing literature and implications for clinical practice. Chapter Five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting key findings, implications for rehabilitation practice, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research. The study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of virtual reality in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke, with the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for stroke survivors.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Analysis of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke" aims to investigate the impact of virtual reality technology on the rehabilitation of upper limb function in individuals who have suffered a stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in hemiparesis or hemiplegia on one side of the body, particularly affecting the upper limbs. Traditional rehabilitation methods for post-stroke upper limb impairment include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and various exercises aimed at improving motor function and mobility. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in neurorehabilitation due to its ability to provide interactive and engaging environments that can facilitate motor learning, enhance motivation, and offer personalized feedback. By immersing stroke survivors in virtual environments and providing tasks that simulate real-life activities, VR therapy has the potential to improve upper limb motor function, coordination, and overall quality of life. This research overview will delve into the rationale behind exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke, highlighting the growing interest in incorporating technology-based interventions in traditional rehabilitation settings. The project will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature on the use of virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation, focusing on studies that have investigated its impact on upper limb function, motor recovery, and patient outcomes. Furthermore, the research will outline the methodology employed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions, including the selection of participants, study design, assessment tools, and outcome measures. Data collection will involve pre- and post-intervention assessments to analyze changes in upper limb function, range of motion, strength, and functional abilities following virtual reality therapy sessions. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable insights into the potential benefits of virtual reality technology in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke. By assessing the effectiveness of VR interventions and comparing them to conventional rehabilitation approaches, this research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating virtual reality into clinical practice to optimize stroke recovery outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance rehabilitation strategies and improve the quality of life for individuals recovering from stroke-related upper limb impairments.