Measuring the Effectiveness of High-Intensity Virtual Training Programs in Stroke Survivors

Publication Name: Acta Polytechnica Hungarica

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 22

Issue: 10

Page Range: 103-123

Description:

The objective of this paper is to determine and compare the effects of two high-intensity virtual training programs, with different frequencies and standard care after stroke. First-time ischaemic stroke patients in subacute stage were randomized into three groups: 1 session/day high-intensity virtual training (VT1; n=20), 2 sessions/day high-intensity virtual training (VT2, n=20), standard care (CON, n=20). Each group performed a 5-week-long training program (1 hour/session, 5 days/week). Results were measured before and after the interventions. Our primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), which indicates the degree of independence in daily activities and the severity of disability at stroke survivors. Secondary outcomes were the Barthel Index (BI), the EuroQoL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the 6-minute walking test (6mWT), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and posturograpic examination in four different positions (WEO, WEC, NEO, NEC). VT2 and VT1 groups improved significantly all of the results (all p<0,05). The result of the mRS, BI, BBS, 6mWT, BDI improved significantly (all p <0.05) in CON group, but there was no clinically meaningful changes in EQ VAS, WEO, WEC, NEO, and NEC (all p>0.05).Comparing the groups’ measured 10 results: VT2 in 9 cases (mRS, BI, EQ VAS, BBS, 6mWT, BDI, WEC, NEO, NEC), VT1 in 5 cases (mRS, 6mWT, BDI, WEC, NEC) showed greater extent improvement than CON group, furthermore the improvements of mRS and BI were significantly higher at VT2, than at VT1 (all p<0.05). Our results show that the high-intensity virtual training programs could be good opportunities for subacute ischaemic stroke patients to improve their clinical symptoms, mobility, and quality of life. Furthermore, increasing daily frequency of the training, could also increase the beneficial effects. This research is particularly important because the utilized therapies have the potential to yield significant economic benefits, by reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving overall patient outcomes.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.12700/APH.22.10.2025.10.7

Authors - 11