Effectiveness and safety of virtual reality rehabilitation after stroke: an overview of systematic reviews

Combined robot-assisted therapy virtual reality for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Upper limb impairments are among the most common consequences following a stroke. Recently, robot-assisted therapy (RT) and virtual reality (VR) have been used to improve upper limb function in stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to investigate the effects of combined RT and VR on upper limb function in stroke survivors and to provide recommendations for researchers and clinicians in the medical field.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, REHABDATA, PEDro, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to March 28, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving stroke survivors that compared combined RT and VR interventions with either passive (i.e., sham, rest) or active (i.e., traditional therapy, VR, RT) interventions and assessed outcomes related to upper limb function (e.g., strength, muscle tone, or overall function) were included. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in this review. In total, 201 patients with stroke (mean age 57.84 years) were involved in this review. Four studies were considered 'high quality', while two were considered as 'moderate quality' on the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The findings showed inconsistent results for the effects of combined RT and VR interventions on upper limb function poststroke.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there are potential effects of combined RT and VR interventions on improving upper limb function, but further research is needed to confirm these findings, understand the underlying mechanisms, and assess the consistency and generalizability of the results.

Enhancing Orthopedic Rehabilitation: The Emergence and Impact of Virtual Reality Technology

Virtual Reality (VR) is progressively transforming the landscape of orthopedic rehabilitation. Initially conceptualized for entertainment, VR now plays a pivotal role in the medical field, particularly in orthopedics. Traditional rehabilitation methods in orthopedics often encounter limitations in patient engagement and the personalization of therapy. VR counters these limitations by offering immersive environments that can be specifically tailored to meet individual rehabilitation needs. The ascent of this technology from a groundbreaking concept to a practical therapeutic tool represents a notable advancement in rehabilitation techniques. The capability of VR to simulate real-life scenarios significantly enhances its applicability and efficacy in orthopedic care. This adaptability allows for a more engaged and personalized treatment experience for patients, marking a departure from traditional, more generic therapy methods. However, incorporating VR into orthopedic rehabilitation is accompanied by certain challenges. These include the high costs associated with the technology, potential technological barriers, and issues related to accessibility. These factors can hinder the widespread adoption of VR in clinical settings. Despite these challenges, the integration of VR into orthopedic rehabilitation practices signals a shift toward more innovative and effective patient care. This technology not only promises to heighten patient involvement but also steers therapy toward a more individualized approach. By addressing the issues of patient engagement and customization in therapy, VR stands out as a compelling solution in the realm of orthopedic rehabilitation. Its potential to reshape patient experiences and outcomes in orthopedic recovery is substantial, indicating promising prospects for its role in the medical field [1, 2].

Being in Virtual Reality and Its Influence on Brain Health-An Overview of Benefits, Limitations and Prospects

BACKGROUND

Dynamic technological development and its enormous impact on modern societies are posing new challenges for 21st-century neuroscience. A special place is occupied by technologies based on virtual reality (VR). VR tools have already played a significant role in both basic and clinical neuroscience due to their high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity and, above all, high ecological value.

OBJECTIVE

Being in a digital world affects the functioning of the body as a whole and its individual systems. The data obtained so far, both from experimental and modeling studies, as well as (clinical) observations, indicate their great and promising potential, but apart from the benefits, there are also losses and negative consequences for users.

METHODS

This review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework across electronic databases (such as Web of Science Core Collection; PubMed; and Scopus, Taylor & Francis Online and Wiley Online Library) to identify beneficial effects and applications, as well as adverse impacts, especially on brain health in human neuroscience.

RESULTS

More than half of these articles were published within the last five years and represent state-of-the-art approaches and results (e.g., 54.7% in Web of Sciences and 63.4% in PubMed), with review papers accounting for approximately 16%. The results show that in addition to proposed novel devices and systems, various methods or procedures for testing, validation and standardization are presented (about 1% of articles). Also included are virtual developers and experts, (bio)(neuro)informatics specialists, neuroscientists and medical professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

VR environments allow for expanding the field of research on perception and cognitive and motor imagery, both in healthy and patient populations. In this context, research on neuroplasticity phenomena, including mirror neuron networks and the effects of applied virtual (mirror) tasks and training, is of interest in virtual prevention and neurogeriatrics, especially in neurotherapy and neurorehabilitation in basic/clinical and digital neuroscience.