Video game-based therapy for the non-dominant hand improves manual skills and grip strength Effets de la thérapie basée sur les jeux vidéo pour la main non dominante sur les compétences manuelles et la force de préhension

BOSTANCI H., EMİR A., TARAKCI D., TARAKCI E.

Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation, vol.39, no.4, pp.265-269, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 39 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.hansur.2020.02.011
  • Journal Name: Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.265-269
  • Keywords: Manual skills, Non-dominant hand, Virtual reality, Upper extremity, Occupational therapy
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

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 30 min. 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.