What is the role of neurological rehabilitation using Virtual Reality (VR) glasses?

From the Guidelines

Neurological rehabilitation with virtual reality glasses is a promising therapeutic approach for patients with acquired brain injury, offering positive outcomes in cognition, balance, and anxiety treatment. According to a systematic review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in 2021 1, virtual reality (VR) therapy creates immersive, interactive environments that engage patients in targeted exercises while providing real-time feedback. This technology is particularly beneficial for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, and treatment of spatial neglect.

Some key points to consider when implementing VR rehabilitation include:

• A typical VR rehabilitation program involves 30-45 minute sessions, 3-5 times weekly for 4-12 weeks, gradually increasing in difficulty as the patient progresses.
• The effectiveness of VR therapy stems from neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections—which VR enhances through repetitive, engaging tasks that stimulate multiple sensory systems simultaneously.
• Patients should work with qualified therapists who can customize programs to their specific needs and monitor for potential side effects like motion sickness or eye strain.
• For optimal results, VR rehabilitation should complement traditional physical and occupational therapy rather than replace it entirely, creating a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both physical and cognitive aspects of neurological recovery.

As noted in another study published in the same journal in 2021 1, there is limited research on the use of immersive VR for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, and future research should consider a stepwise approach to VR development, from early co-design studies with end users to larger controlled trials. However, the available evidence suggests that VR therapy can be a valuable addition to traditional rehabilitation approaches, offering patients an engaging and effective way to improve their cognitive and motor function. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider incorporating VR therapy into their treatment plans for patients with acquired brain injury, while also being aware of the need for further research to fully establish its efficacy and optimal implementation.

From the Research

Neurological Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality Glasses

• Virtual reality (VR) based interventions have been found to be effective in reducing impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with neurological disorders 2.
• The use of VR in cognitive rehabilitation has been shown to improve cognitive domains such as executive and visual-spatial abilities, speech, attention, and memory skills in patients with neurological diseases 3.
• VR rehabilitation programs have been found to be beneficial in improving upper-extremity motor function in post-stroke adults, and can be used to enhance the effects of conventional therapies 4.
• The clinical utility of VR in neurorehabilitation has been established, with benefits including improvement in motor functions, greater community participation, and improved psychological and cognitive function 5.

Key Findings

• Customization of VR systems is an important factor linked with improved outcomes 2.
• VR can be used to boost motivation and participation in rehabilitation, leading to better treatment outcomes 3.
• VR interventions have been found to be effective in improving ambulation function in children with cerebral palsy, mobility, balance, upper limb function, and body structure/function and activity in people with stroke 2.
• The use of VR in occupational therapy has been found to be beneficial in improving motor and cognitive functions after a cerebrovascular accident 4.

Historical Context

• The concept of using virtual reality as an assistive technology in neurological rehabilitation has been explored since the 1990s 6.
• Early studies highlighted the potential of VR to improve neurological rehabilitation strategies, and since then, there has been a growing body of research supporting the use of VR in neurorehabilitation 2, 3, 4, 5.