Effects of Video Game Based Hand Therapy on Motor Functions in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized Trial


Köstekçi H., TARAKCI D., Bostancı H., EMİR A., TARAKCI E.

Physiotherapy Research International, cilt.31, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 31 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/pri.70144
  • Dergi Adı: Physiotherapy Research International
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: active-video gaming, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, virtual reality
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Technological approaches such as virtual reality therapy, video - based game therapy, telerehabilitation, and robotic rehabilitation have been increasing in stroke rehabilitation nowadays. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of video game-based hand rehabilitation program on motor functions and functional skills of the hand in individuals with stroke. Methods: 30 individuals with stroke were participated in study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as video game-based hand rehabilitation (VG) and task-oriented exercise group (TOG). A video game-based rehabilitation program was administered via the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) in addition to the conventional physical therapy performed in the VG group. In the TOG group, a task-oriented hand rehabilitation program was applied combining with the conventional physical therapy. In both groups, therapy programs were completed in a total of 20 sessions, 5 sessions per week. Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Rating Scale (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) were used to evaluate hand functionality. Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) was used to evaluate activities of daily living. Results: Significant improvements were observed for FMA-UE (p = 0.01; p = 0.01), WMFT (p = 0.01; p = 0.01), MMDT (p = 0.01; p = 0.04) and DEI (p = 0.01; p = 0.01) score in both groups for intragroup analysis. FMA-UE (p = 0.01) and WMFT (p = 0.01) total scores and DHI kitchen sub-scores (p = 0.01) showed significant improvement in favors of VG in intergroup analysis. Conclusion: A video game-based hand therapy program combining with conventional therapy is effective for targeting functional skills in individuals with stroke.