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September 27, 2021Open Access

A telerehabilitation app with exergames (VirTele) was feasible for chronic stroke survivors, increasing autonomous motivation in 75% of users versus 9% with conventional therapy.

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Why the study?

Virtual reality exergames combined with a telerehabilitation app (VirTele) may offer an alternative to rehabilitate upper extremity sequelae in chronic stroke survivors with clinician monitoring.

Does telerehabilitation combined with exergames (VirTele) improve feasibility, upper extremity motor function, and motivation in survivors of chronic stroke compared with conventional therapy?

Population

11 survivors of stroke

Comparison

VirTele vs conventional therapy

Design

2-arm randomized feasibility clinical trial

Follow-up

2 months after the intervention

Key result

A telerehabilitation app with exergames (VirTele) was feasible for chronic stroke survivors, increasing autonomous motivation in 75% of users versus 9% with conventional therapy.

Authors

DADorra Rakia AllegueJHJohanne HigginsSSShane N. Sweet

Discussion

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Overview

Offers feasible telerehab option for chronic stroke; extends RCT evidence on autonomous motivation gains.

Study Design

Type

RCT (n=11)

Randomization

randomly allocated

Structured PICO

Does telerehabilitation combined with exergames (VirTele) improve feasibility, upper extremity motor function, and motivation in survivors of chronic stroke compared with conventional therapy?

P
Population
11 survivors of chronic stroke with upper extremity sequelae, randomized to a telerehabilitation app with exergames or conventional therapy for up to 3 months.
I
Intervention
Virtual reality exergames combined with a telerehabilitation app (VirTele) for 8 weeks (extended to 3 months due to COVID-19)
C
Comparator
Conventional therapy for 8 weeks (extended to 3 months due to COVID-19)
O
Outcome
Feasibility measured from exergame and intervention logspatient reported

Telerehabilitation combined with exergames is a feasible alternative to conventional therapy for upper extremity rehabilitation in chronic stroke survivors, potentially increasing autonomous motivation.

Limitations

  • Small sample size (n=11)
  • COVID-19 pandemic forced protocol change (treatment pursued for 3 months instead of 8 weeks)

Cite This Study

Allegue et al. (2021) conducted an RCT in chronic stroke with upper extremity sequelae (n=11). VirTele (virtual reality exergames combined with a telerehabilitation app) vs. conventional therapy was evaluated on Feasibility and impact on upper extremity motor function, quantity and quality of use, quality of life, and motivation. A telerehabilitation app with exergames (VirTele) was feasible for chronic stroke survivors, increasing autonomous motivation in 75% of users versus 9% with conventional therapy.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a222dd100d082f62f9717f4https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.33745
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1An Integrated Virtual Reality–Based Telerehabilitation Platform to Support Recovery and Maintenance of Functional Abilities Among Older Adults: Protocol for a Usability and Acceptability Study2025 · 4 citations
  2. 2Evaluation of custom-made VR exergame for at-home Stroke rehabilitation. A longitudinal single-arm study.2024
  3. 3Personalized Adaptive Mirror Therapy in Upper Limb Post Stroke Rehabilitation: Usability, Acceptability, and Feasibility Study Using Virtual Reality and Myoelectric Control (Preprint)2025
  4. 4Virtual reality exergaming using off-the-shelf supplies improves post-stroke hemiparetic function: a case study. (Preprint)2025
  5. 5Technical Feasibility of the implementation of an intensive upper-limb rehabilitation system (NeuroVirt) intervention for stroke survivors2024