Virtual Reality–Based Physiotherapy and Its Impact on Functional Recovery in Stroke patients
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Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability, which affects motor function, balance, coordination, and daily activities. Virtual reality-based physiotherapy has emerged as an innovative approach, offering immersive, task-oriented rehabilitation environments. Objective: To review and synthesize recent evidence (2019-2025) on the effectiveness of VR-based physiotherapy in improving functional recovery among stroke patients. Methodology: This review employed a structured narrative synthesis guided by PRISMA to ensure transparent and systematic reporting of evidence on Virtual Reality–based physiotherapy in stroke rehabilitation. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library identified studies published between January 2019 and June 2025. Free-text keywords and MeSH terms related to stroke, Virtual reality rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and functional recovery were combined using Boolean operators. Citations were managed and deduplicated in reference software, followed by title, abstract, and full-text screening per PRISMA criteria. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, and systematic reviews examining virtual reality interventions and functional outcomes such as motor recovery, balance, gait, and ADLs. Non-English papers, cognitive-only virtual reality studies, abstracts, and mixed populations without stroke-specific data were excluded. Data were extracted using a standardized template covering study design, virtual reality type, intervention dosage, and outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised (PEDro for trials), enabling a rigorous qualitative synthesis of contemporary evidence. Results: Evidence consistently demonstrates that virtual reality-based rehabilitation improves motor function, postural control, and functional independence compared with conventional therapy alone. Meta-analyses report superior gains in upper limb recovery, dexterity, and task performance when VR is used adjunctively. Improvements in balance, gait, and daily activities are also reported, alongside enhanced motivation, therapy adherence, and psychological well-being. Conclusion: Virtual reality-based physiotherapy is an effective adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation, enhancing recovery, engagement, and quality of life.
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