Stroke is one of the most common causes of acquired disability, leaving numerous adults with cognitive and motor impairments, and affecting patients’ capability to live independently. Virtual Reality (VR) based methods for stroke rehabilitation have mainly focused on motor rehabilitation but there is increasing interest toward the integration of cognitive training for providing more effective solutions. Here we investigate the feasibility for stroke recovery of a virtual cognitive-motor task, the Reh@Task, which combines adapted arm reaching, and attention and memory training. 24 participants in the chronic stage of stroke, with cognitive and motor deficits, were allocated to one of two groups (VR, Control). Both groups were enrolled in conventional occupational therapy, which mostly involves motor training. Additionally, the VR group underwent training with the Reh@Task and the control group performed time-matched conventional occupational therapy. Motor and cognitive competences were assessed at baseline, end of treatment (1 month) and at a 1-month follow-up through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Single Letter Cancelation, Digit Cancelation, Bells Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment Test, Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Barthel Index. Our results show that both groups improved in motor function over time, but the Reh@Task group displayed significantly higher between-group outcomes in the arm subpart of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Test. Improvements in cognitive function were significant and similar in both groups. Overall, these results are supportive of the viability of VR tools that combine motor and cognitive training, such as the Reh@Task. Trial Registration: This trial was not registered because it is a small clinical study that addresses the feasibility of a prototype device.

An observational, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed. The sample 7 consisted of 9 individuals with PD and 9 healthy controls. A force platform was used to 8 measure the CoP displacement and velocity during the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence. The 9 results were statistically analysed. 10Individuals with PD required greater durations for the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence than 11 the controls (p<0.05). The anteroposterior and mediolateral CoP displacement were 12 higher in the individuals with PD (p<0.05). However, only the anteroposterior CoP 13 velocity in the stand-to-sit phase (p=0.006) was lower in the same individuals.14 Comparing the single-and dual-task conditions in both groups, the duration, the 15 anteroposterior CoP displacement and velocity were higher in the dual-task condition 16 (p<0.05). 17The individuals with PD presented reduced postural control stability during the sit-to-18 stand-to-sit sequence, especially when under the dual-task condition. These individuals 19 have deficits not only in motor performance, but also in cognitive performance when 20 performing the sit-to-stand-to-sit sequence in their daily life tasks. Moreover, both 21 deficits tend to be intensified when two tasks are performed simultaneously.