The Impact of Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies on Patient Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies in physical rehabilitation has been increasing over the past few years. These technologies have the potential to improve patient outcomes by enhancing traditional rehabilitation strategies.
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the impact of VR/AR technologies on patient outcomes in physical rehabilitation, focusing on physical function, cognitive function, and quality of life.
METHODS: A total of 30 patients undergoing physical rehabilitation at Link Medical Center, Lahore, were divided into two groups: a traditional rehabilitation group and a VR/AR-assisted rehabilitation group. The study utilized a pre-post design to evaluate changes in outcome measures, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36).
RESULTS: In the post-intervention comparison, the VR/AR-assisted group demonstrated significantly improved outcomes in all measures: FMA upper extremity (59.8 ± 9.1, p=0.02), FMA lower extremity (35.7 ± 6.3, p=0.03), TUG (10.1 ± 2.1 seconds, p=0.01), MMSE (28.3 ± 2.6, p=0.05), and SF-36 (74.1 ± 7.8, p=0.01).
CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the incorporation of VR/AR technologies in physical rehabilitation can significantly enhance both physical and cognitive functions and overall quality of life among patients, supporting their adoption in rehabilitation strategies.
KEYWORDS: Physical Rehabilitation, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Patient Outcomes, Quality of Life.
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References
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