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The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Training for Family Caregivers in Supporting Post-Stroke Recovery: A Quasi-Experimental Study Sukron, Sukron; Romiko , Romiko; Putra, Heri; Sari, Indah; Agung, Muhammad; Maulana, Muhammad
Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI) Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026): March 2026
Publisher : Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palu

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.56338/mppki.v9i3.9269

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke survivors in low-resource settings often rely on family caregivers to provide essential daily care after hospital discharge. However, many caregivers lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform safe and effective home-based care. Virtual Reality (VR) offers an immersive, interactive, and practical training method that may enhance caregiver preparedness and is associated with improved patient outcomes during post-stroke recovery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a VR-based caregiver training program on functional, psychological, physiological, and cognitive outcomes among stroke survivors. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post design was conducted with 60 caregiver–patient pairs recruited from a community health center in South Sumatra. Participants were assigned to either a VR-based training group or a control group receiving standard discharge education. The intervention consisted of five immersive VR modules simulating stroke-care scenarios, including hygiene, feeding, transfer techniques, positioning, suctioning, and range of motion exercises. Outcome measures included systolic blood pressure, functional independence (Barthel Index), anxiety and depression (HADS), and cognitive status (MoCA). Results: Patients whose caregivers received VR-based training demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes compared with the control group. The intervention group showed greater reductions in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.021), increased functional independence (p = 0.041), reduced anxiety (p = 0.017) and depression (p = 0.011), and enhanced cognitive function (p = 0.032). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, indicating clinically meaningful improvements. Conclusion: VR-based caregiver training is a feasible, low-cost, and effective strategy associated with improved patient outcomes following caregiver training. Its immersive design provides experiential learning that may support caregiving activities in community health settings with limited resources.
Co-Authors Abd. Rasyid Syamsuri Abda Abda Abdul Hakim Abdul Wahid Adi, Emmanuel Ariananto Waluyo Aminuddin, Amin Andi Baso Kaswar Andi Baso Kaswar Andi Muadz Palerangi Anggoro, Anggoro Apridiansyah, Yovi Ardiansyah, M. Rivaldi Asdiono, Asdiono Audia, Alanis Badaruddin Anwar Bahar, Muhammad Mahdinul Baharuddin Baharuddin BAKHRANI RAUF Bau Salawati Bestin, Bakti Daulay, Indi Ramadhani Dedy Kurniadi Elfira Wirza, Elfira Elisatris Gultom Erniyani, Erniyani Ervina Eka Subekti Erwan Efendi Erwandi, Yetman Fatmawati Fatmawati Fivia Eliza Gunawan Gunawan Gunawan Zain, Satria Hamsi Mansur Handayani, Sri Haryadi, Tri Wimbi Hasim, Muhammad Helza Nova Lita Husaini Husaini Husda, Baso Riadi I Nyoman Sila Indah Sari Iriyanti, Aldarisma Januar, Marcelino Jumadi Mabe Parenreng Kasim, Muh. Alwi Rizkyansyah Khusnul Fajriyah Maninnori Nawirma, Maulana Marliyah, Marliyah Mauliana, Ana Muhammad Fajar B Muhammad Maulana Muhammad Nasir Muhammad Rais B Muhammad Yahya Muhtarom, Muhammad Nabil Mukhlis . Nana Ganda Nur Fadillah, Nur Nur Fuadah Nur, Muh Irfan Nurdin, Aswin Parenreng, Jumadi M. Paulus, ⁠Listina Pujianto, Dian Purbo Wartoyo, Bayu Putra, Deka Tri Putra, Heri Raodah Raodah Raodah Raodah, Raodah Romiko , Romiko Safitri, Bujing Sapta, Andy Sa’ban Miru, Alimuddin Seno, Abdi Siti Aisyah Sudarmanto Jayanegara Sudirman Sudirman Suhendra, Janice Sukron, Sukron Surya Surya Suwango, Jerry Suyanta Suyanta Swandayani, Deysi SYAFAR, A. MUHAMMAD Syahrir, Nurlina Tanjung, Dhiauddin Tommy, Tommy Tsary Arrofi, Dinda Yusuf Wahid, M. Syahid Nur Widiowati, Nindi Yohandri Bow Yulia Darmi Zaudah Cyly Arrum Dalu