Effects of virtual reality training on occupational performance and self-efficacy of patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

The sample size was small (52 analyzed), which limits the reliability of the findings. The study had no follow-up assessments, so it is unknown whether the benefits persisted after the 3-week intervention ended. The VR program focused on proximal joints (shoulder and elbow) and lacked training for distal joints (hand and wrist), which may explain why upper limb function scores did not differ between groups. Attrition was 13.3%, and the analysis used Last Observation Carried Forward for missing data, which can bias results. The control group received acupuncture as part of standard care, which is not typical in many Western settings, potentially affecting generalizability.

The study was funded by the Clinical Medical Technology Innovation Guidance Project of Hunan Province. No specific commercial conflicts of interest with the VR equipment manufacturer (DIH Medical) were declared in the provided text, though the company's equipment was used.

Do not assume VR improves physical upper limb function. The study found no significant difference in upper limb motor scores between the VR and control groups; the benefits were limited to psychological self-efficacy and daily living activities.