The effects of virtual reality training in stroke and Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation: a systematic review and a perspective on usability

Abstract

Background Virtual Reality (VR) training is emerging in the neurorehabilitation field. Technological advancement is often faster than clinical implementation. Previous reviews stressed the study design and methodological weaknesses of research in the field of VR for neurorehabilitation. Clinically relevant conclusions on implementation in particular patient groups are needed. The aim was to update the existing knowledge with the recent evidence on the effects of VR training on functional ability of patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Secondary objective was to analyze the aspects of usability of VR intervention in these populations. Methods Systematic literature search (via PubMed, CENTRAL) was conducted from inception to February 29, 2020 to identify suitable articles for two population subcategories. Randomized controlled trials published from 2016 to 2020, investigating the effectiveness of VR on a variety of outcomes contributing to the functional independence were included. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used for a methodological quality assessment of the primary studies. Given the heterogeneity in types of VR intervention and outcomes, a descriptive synthesis was conducted. Results A total of 18 randomized controlled trials were included (10 in stroke subcategory, 8 in PD). CASP grading ranged 9–11, suggesting high methodological quality. All studies concluded that overall VR might be as effective as the conventional training, but more motivating. In some studies, VR was found to have a greater effect, taking the high response to treatment and satisfaction into account. Conclusions VR training is suggested as an effective intervention to improve the functional ability in stroke and PD patients. Addition of VR into a rehabilitation program might facilitate patient’s motivation, participation and improvement, as this method was generally well accepted, and the results of trials were promising. The consideration of disorder-specific aspects should take place during the decision-making of VR implementation.

Realidad virtual inmersiva y ejercicio físico para la rehabilitación de la enfermedad de Parkinson

“…Por otro lado, diversos estudios concluyen que la rehabilitación por RVI es generalmente bien recibida por los pacientes, lo que puede promover la motivación y la adhesión al tratamiento a largo plazo 20,21,[26][27][28][29] . Esto está confirmado por la revisión sistemática realizada por Sevcenko y Lindgren (2022) 34 , cuyos resultados sugieren que la RVI puede ser una intervención igual de efectiva al entrenamiento convencional, pero con una experiencia más satisfactoria en comparación al ejercicio convencional. Por otra parte, de acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos por Janeh y colaboradores (2019) 22 , es posible que el ejercicio en conjunto con la RVI sea un tratamiento más efectivo para mejorar a corto plazo la marcha y el equilibrio de los pacientes con EP en comparación con la fisioterapia convencional, por lo que puede ser una estrategia de rehabilitación prometedora.…”

Studi Literatur Penerapan Virtual Reality Dalam Rehabilitasi Fisik Pasien Dengan Parkinson Disease

“…Kegiatan latihan virtual reality (VR) terbukti menjadi suplemen yang sangat efektif untuk terapi tradisional untuk semua kelompok pasien. (Kashif, et al, 2022) Terapi latihan dapat menunjukan hasil yang baik pada pasien dengan Parkinson disease (PD), karena rehabilitasi dan pemeliharaan fisik dan fungsional merupakan aspek penting bagi pasien (Sevcenko & Lindgren, 2022) Intervensi yang di berikan berbasis latihan fisik, transfer, aktivitas manual, keseimbangan dan gaya berjalan. Hal itu semua dapat diterapak dengan menggunakan Virtual Reality (VR).…”

Virtual Reality Assisted Non-Pharmacological Treatments in Chronic Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Meta-Analysis

“…The use of such types of VR for training and exercise is often referred to in the literature as exergaming and has been shown in the scientific literature to promote physical activity levels (for a review see the work of Sween et al [ 19 ]). The most frequent application of VR systems in clinical practice has been, among others, in pediatric movement disorder rehabilitation [ 20 ], elderly neurodegenerative movement disorder rehabilitation [ 21 ], post-stroke rehabilitation [ 22 ], and for psychiatric disorders [ 23 ].…”