Improving Cognition and Motor Performances Through Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Using on a Head Mount Device Among Patients with Chronic Stroke

Abstract

A stroke can negatively affect several areas of cognitive function. There have been several attempts to improve the disability status of patients with chronic stroke (CS). In recent years, technological innovations such as immersive virtual reality (IVR) systems using head-mounted display (HMD) devices have proven actual in ameliorating motor and mental impairments in patients with neurological illnesses, together with CS. The aim of the study is to prove that an IVR game program using an HMD is as effective as traditional virtual reality rehabilitation, which is expensive and has high set-up costs. The study was designed to evaluate the cognitive and motor outcomes after IVR rehabilitation for eight weeks in patients with CS and to compare them with a control group. All patients were randomized to a control group (17 persons) in conventional cognitive rehabilitation and an experimental group using IVR-HMD (17 persons). The IVR-HMD intercession package (3 periods per weak, 100 minutes per episode) includes virtual reality game content to improve consideration, recall, and dealing out speed. Cognitive assessments were performed using the Mini-Mental State Exam (M.M.S.E.) and Symbolic Digit Substitution Test (S.D.S.T.) before rehabilitation therapy and after treatment. Physical work was evaluated employing a gait speed test, 8-foot up-and-go test, and handgrip test. The autonomous t-test or chii-square test was utilized to measure the distinction between the starting point (start of intercession) factors. After a study, there were no significant changes in MMSE scores within either group. However, on the SDST, the IVR-given group displayed a substantial advance compared to the controller group (before: 33.4 ± 9.0, after: 39.6 ± 9.5, p = 0.02). The group ⁎ time interaction for SDST was also substantial, representing that IVR-based intellectual exercise had a helpful effect on cognitive function.

Technological Features of Immersive Virtual Reality Systems for Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

“…Consequently, IVR is currently being applied across a broad spectrum of rehabilitation areas, encompassing neurological rehabilitation for postural balance [ 18 ], motor functions [ 19 , 20 ], physical therapy [ 21 , 22 ], and cognitive rehabilitation [ 19 , 23 ]. Additionally, it has shown potential for providing pain relief compared to conventional therapy in various pathologies [ 24 ].…”