Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Post-Stroke Motor Rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke, which affects millions of people annually, causes upper limb deficits and limits functionality in daily activities. In this context, VR emerges as an innovative tool, capable of improving manual dexterity and motor function through controlled environments that facilitate the practice of motor tasks with real-time feedback. Methodology: Systematic literature review, quantitative-retrospective approach, applying PRISMA guidelines. Search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane Library. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 that evaluated post-stroke adults in the subacute or chronic phase, with VR intervention for motor rehabilitation were included. Studies with low methodological quality, populations in the acute phase, other neurological diagnoses, or without quantitative data were excluded. Results: The results obtained indicate that VR, especially when combined with conventional therapies, significantly improves motor and functional abilities, being more effective in longer interventions (more than 15 hours or more than a month). Discussion: It is highlighted that, although VR does not completely replace conventional therapy, its integration improves clinical outcomes, especially when combined with other techniques such as intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). Conclusions: VR is an effective and accessible tool for post-stroke rehabilitation, with a low cost and easy implementation in clinical settings, but further research is required to standardize its application and optimize therapeutic protocols.