Video game-based therapy for the non-dominant hand improves manual skills and grip strength.
HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2020;
39:265-269. [PMID:
32247654 DOI:
10.1016/j.hansur.2020.02.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The study was designed to investigate the effect of virtual reality-supported training on manual skills and grip strength in the non-dominant hand in healthy participants. Thirty participants were randomized into two groups: ErgoActive group (n=15) and control group (n=15). The ErgoActive study group received 8 weeks of training with leap motion controller-based virtual reality games. The training was done 1 day per week for 30min. The participants' hand function was evaluated using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), while grip strength was evaluated with a Jamar Hand Dynamometer and Pinchmeter. After 8 weeks, the ErgoActive and control groups had significantly different JTHFT, Jamar and Pinchmeter results (P<0.05). When leap motion controller-based virtual reality applications are used, healthy subjects have increased manual skills and grip strength in their non-dominant hand. These virtual reality games are an effective and fun way of improving patients' hand functions.
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