The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the types of Virtual Reality intervention and assess the efficacy of the Dynamic Standing Balance for Stroke patients.
My research question was “Can Interactive Virtual Reality Interventions Improve the Dynamic Standing Balance in Stroke Survivors?” I chose this topic because Virtual Reality intervention has been popular and increased its use in a Stroke rehabilitation setting. I wanted to know if this intervention is effective for clients with stroke. However, it was challenging to find the specific intervention with similar assessments and treatment.
After approval of the Systematic Review, I edited my paper based on the committee’s feedback. Based on the feedback,
- Deleted repetitive sentences to increase clarity.
- Edited the Results and Discussion sections.
- Changed the database in the Methods section.
- Added other overall strengths of the evidence as per the AOTA guidelines.
- Added specific practice implications.
- Included limitations of my review.
The main findings of this systematic review were,
1. It is inconclusive if VR intervention is more effective than conventional therapeutic intervention for patients who have had a stroke.
2. Due to inconsistency results throughout the studies; in order to demonstrate convincing treatment effects in stroke trials has proved to be a challenge,
3. Occupational therapists should consider incorporating VR interventions during stroke rehabilitation while maintaining a client-centered approach to increase participant’s motivation.
In the Systematic Review, there was a limited resource on the positive correlation between VR intervention and improvement of dynamic balance in clients with stroke. Due to limitation, I wanted to create a clinical practice guideline for Occupational Therapists that are not only providing a clinical intervention but focusing on the client’s needs, where a client with a stroke can be safe and engaging at home with their caregivers and family. I wanted to see a client in a holistic view and provide a guideline to Occupational therapists on how to provide educational information to caregivers and families.
I wanted to explore more in-depth what clients with stroke needs after their onset. In literature studies, the most commonly reported needs of caregivers involved client’s physical changes such as moving and exercises (Lou et al., 2015). It is necessary to improve caregiver’s education of clients with stroke as the clients are discharged home from the hospital, and the roles are altered within the family system (Hafsteinsdóttir et al., 2011). The literature review was limited on how to specifically address educated knowledge in stroke and how to provide educational needs to caregivers and families. I wanted to create best practices in stroke education for clients and their families. I gathered my knowledge and wanted to develop resources for caregivers and family, use multiple learning and teaching methods, and consistent reinforcement.
Reference
Brereton, L., Carroll, C., & Barnston, S. (2007). Interventions for adult family carers of people who have had a stroke: a systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 21(10), 867–884. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215507078313
Hafsteinsdóttir, T. B., Vergunst, M., Lindeman, E., & Schuurmans, M. (2011). Educational needs of patients with a stroke and their caregivers: A systematic review of the literature. Patient Education and Counseling, 85(1), 14–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2010.07.046
Lou, M.-F., Tsai, P.-C., Yip, P.-K., & Tai, J. J. (2015). Needs of family caregivers of stroke patients: a longitudinal study of caregivers’ perspectives. Patient Preference and Adherence, 449. https://doi.org/10.2147/ppa.s77713