Virtual reality training for stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-D virtual reality (2DVR) programme in the training of people with stroke on how to access and use the station facilities of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Method: A flat-screen 2DVR based training programme and a corresponding, typical psycho-educational programme with video modelling were developed for comparison through a research design that involved a randomised control group pre-test and post-test. Results: Twenty and sixteen subjects respectively received 10 training sessions using the 2DVR strategy and a video-based psycho-educational programme. An additional 22 subjects formed the control group. They were assessed by using a behavioural checklist of MTR skills and a newly validated MTR self-efficacy scale. The subjects of both training groups showed a significant improvement in their knowledge, skills and self-efficacy in using the MTR (p < 0.01), whereas, the MTR skills and self-efficacy of the control group remained stable over a four-week interval. Conclusion: Though both training programmes were effective in training the patients with stroke, they demonstrated differential improvements in MTR skills and related self-efficacy. Additional studies are recommended to identify the most effective training procedures for maintaining these skills and the best transfer ratio in the training of VR-based community living skills of people with stroke.

Evaluation of a virtual reality prospective memory task for use with individuals with severe traumatic brain injury

“…Despite these limitations, the results of the present research are promising given that virtual platforms offer a range of advantages over their conventional and functional counterparts (e.g., realism and high experimental control), thus are well placed to assess PM deficits in the TBI population. First, virtual reality offers a sensitive and ecologically valid medium through which to assess PM impairment (Lam, Man, Tam, & Weiss, 2006). The VRST is likely sensitive to PM difficulties because it requires sustained cognitive effort over a 14-minute period, incorporates subtasks simulating real world scenarios thereby providing good face validity, places significant demands on attentional processes, and requires the ability to multitask and shift set.…”

Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Occupational Performance and Self-efficacy of Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Currently, studies that used holistic self-e cacy as an outcome indicator in VR training are insu cient, and only a few studies investigated balance self-e cacy. [21,32,43,44] Previous studies found that VR could increase participants' con dence, motivation to participate, and functional activities based on the remodeling and reorganization of brain function. [25,45,46] Learning by mimicking models and "mirroring" neural networks may induce the formation of an imitative tissue around the motor cortex.…”

“…[47] Moreover, the functional improvement induced by motor learning through VR training could greatly improve participants' con dence and self-e cacy in a new environment. [21,31,32,43,44] In addition, a study reported that participants regarded VR training as an interactive and enjoyable sports game rather than a training; thus, they were more motivated to engage in the training. [48] The participants in our study showed improvement in upper limb function and ADL; such improvement could in turn enhance their con dence and self-e cacy.…”

“…While VR training could improve the ADL of patients with stroke, the evidence on improved quality of life and participation restriction is limited. [19][20][21] Some studies showed that different outcome measures related to the effect of VR training still need to be speci ed. [22][23][24] The number of published clinical trials that used occupational performance [25,26]and self-e cacy [21,27] as primary outcomes in VR training are few.…”

“…[26,30] A few studies on VR combined with treadmills found signi cant improvements in falls-related self-e cacy and balance self-e cacy. [21,31,32] However, the evidence on the effect of VR on holistic self-e cacy of patients with stroke is lacking. Thus, VR-related studies that focus on the improvement of occupational performance and self-e cacy of patients with stroke are meaningful.…”