Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in motor impairments that require intensive rehabilitation to restore function. Traditional rehabilitation methods can be time-consuming, costly, and sometimes lack patient engagement. In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool for stroke rehabilitation, offering immersive and interactive environments that can enhance engagement and motivation during therapy sessions. This thesis focuses on the development of a Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation System specifically designed for stroke patients, aiming to improve motor recovery outcomes and overall quality of life. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, discussing the background of the study, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and key definitions of terms. The literature review in Chapter Two critically examines existing studies on VR-based rehabilitation for stroke patients, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and gaps in current research. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, detailing the approach taken to design and implement the Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation System. This chapter covers aspects such as system requirements, software and hardware components, patient recruitment, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. The methodology also includes a description of the study design, hypothesis formulation, and data analysis techniques. In Chapter Four, the findings of the study are presented and discussed in detail. This includes an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation System in improving motor function, patient engagement, and overall satisfaction. The results are analyzed in relation to the research objectives and compared with existing literature to identify key insights and implications for future research and clinical practice. Finally, Chapter Five offers a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, contributions, limitations, and recommendations for further research. The abstract concludes with a reflection on the potential impact of the Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation System on stroke rehabilitation practices and the broader healthcare landscape. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of research on innovative technologies for stroke rehabilitation by developing and evaluating a Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation System tailored to the specific needs of stroke patients. The findings of this study have the potential to inform future developments in VR technology for rehabilitation and improve outcomes for individuals recovering from stroke-induced motor impairments.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of a Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation System for Stroke Patients" aims to address the critical need for innovative and effective rehabilitation methods for individuals recovering from strokes. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that significantly impact quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation approaches have limitations in engaging and motivating patients, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool in the field of medical rehabilitation, offering immersive and interactive environments that can facilitate motor learning, cognitive training, and emotional well-being. By developing a VR-based rehabilitation system specifically tailored for stroke patients, this project seeks to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of therapy sessions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and recovery trajectories. The research will involve designing and implementing a customized VR platform that incorporates evidence-based rehabilitation exercises targeting motor function, coordination, balance, and cognitive skills relevant to stroke rehabilitation. Through user-centered design principles and iterative feedback from healthcare professionals and stroke patients, the system will be optimized for usability, accessibility, and therapeutic efficacy. Key components of the VR-based rehabilitation system will include interactive virtual environments, motion-tracking technology, biofeedback mechanisms, and personalized goal-setting features. The system will allow for real-time monitoring of patient progress, adjustment of difficulty levels, and data-driven insights to inform treatment plans and interventions. The research methodology will encompass a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessments of motor and cognitive performance metrics with qualitative feedback from patients and clinicians. A comparative study with traditional rehabilitation methods will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and user satisfaction of the VR-based system. By advancing the field of medical rehabilitation through the integration of VR technology, this project aims to contribute to the development of innovative, evidence-based interventions that can transform stroke rehabilitation practices. The ultimate goal is to empower stroke patients in their recovery journey, promote greater engagement and adherence to therapy, and enhance long-term functional outcomes and quality of life.