Efficacy of a virtual reality-based cognitive interactive training program for children with traumatic brain injuries: study protocol for a parallel-group randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in children. Cognitive rehabilitation for this population is critical for their long-term health outcomes. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a virtual reality-based program (VICT) for training executive functions in children with TBI. Methods A parallel group randomized controlled trial will be conducted among up to 32 children with TBI. Children in the intervention group will receive the VICT training while children in the control group will play a comparable VR game without executive function training. Each participant will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Outcomes will include core executive functions, attention, and health-related quality of life measured by computerized tasks or standardized questionnaires. Discussion Cognitive rehabilitation is among the top healthcare needs for pediatric TBI patients. Virtual reality-based training is promising due to its versatile content, flexibility, and potential cost savings for both patients and providers. Findings of this trial will provide data on the efficacy of the VICT program on core executive functions, attention problems, and health-related quality of life and serve as the empirical foundation for future larger multi-site effectiveness trials. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04526639. Registered on August 18, 2020.

The Role of Immersive Virtual Reality Interventions in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review across Motor and Cognitive Domains

“…VR provides a highly customizable and immersive therapeutic environment, which can improve patient motivation and treatment adherence [49]. Furthermore, monitoring and recording data in real time allows therapists to customize and optimize the rehabilitation program based on the patient's specific needs [17,18]. This can lead to more effective outcomes and faster recovery times, potentially reducing the long-term costs associated with managing chronic health conditions [48,49].…”

“…In post-stroke rehabilitation, VR systems offer immersive environments for motor relearning and functional recovery, allowing patients to engage in activities such as reaching, grasping, and walking within tailored virtual environments [14][15][16]. Similarly, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation uses VR technology to facilitate cognitive rehabilitation, including training attention, memory, and executive functions [17,18]. By simulating real-world scenarios and activities, VR allows people to improve cognitive and motor abilities in a safe and controlled environment.…”