Introduction: A stroke is the result of an interruption of blood flow to a specific area of the brain, either due to a blockage in a blood vessel or the pressure of blood to a part of the brain due to a cerebral haemorrhage. Due to lack of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die, which leads to brain tissue damage. The most common consequences of a stroke are paralysis of a part of the body, disorders of speech, balance, coordination, perception, swallowing, vision, hearing, and this affects the independence of performing daily activities. Every year, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. After a stroke, rehabilitation is important, aimed at optimal functioning in all areas of an individual's functioning. Occupational therapy is an indispensable link in solving problems in all areas of functioning in acute, sub-acute and chronic rehabilitation, at home and in the community. Rehabilitation based on virtual reality is increasingly being used for the rehabilitation of people after a stroke. Purpose: The aim of the thesis is to collect evidence on the usefulness and effectiveness of virtual reality in the occupational therapy treatment of people after a stroke by means of a literature review. Methods: A literature search was conducted. The literature search was conducted according to the Center for Reviews and Dissemination for a systematic literature review. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were searched in the Digital Library of the University of Ljubljana, in the following databases: Cinahl, PubMed, Web of Science and OT Seeker. Results: Eight studies published between 2010 and 2024 are included in the final analysis. The use of virtual reality in combination with conventional occupational therapy is more effective in improving upper limb function. Video games have a positive impact on improving the performance of daily living activities and at the same time increase the motivation of people after stroke. A review of the literature showed that the use of virtual reality is more effective than conventional therapy as it reduces treatment time. Discussion and conclusion: As virtual reality can be personalised to the specific treatment of each person after a stroke, it significantly reduces the duration of the stroke. It is also thought to better motivate a person after a stroke to participate and have a better impact on their well-being, thus leading to better functional outcomes.
|