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Maggio MG, Valeri MC, De Luca R, Di Iulio F, Ciancarelli I, De Francesco M, Calabrò RS, Morone G. The Role of Immersive Virtual Reality Interventions in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review across Motor and Cognitive Domains. Brain Sci 2024; 14:490. [PMID: 38790468 PMCID: PMC11120259 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, new technologies have been applied in cerebral palsy. Among these, immersive virtual reality is one with promising motor and cognitive effects along with the reduced costs of its application. The level of immersion of the subject in the illusional world gives the feeling of being a real part of the virtual environment. This study aims to investigate the safety and the efficacy of immersive virtual reality in children affected by cerebral palsy. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, RehabData, and Web of Science were screened up to February 2023 to identify eligible clinical studies. Results: Out of 788, we included 15 studies involving CP patients. There was high heterogeneity in the outcomes considered, and the results showed non-inferiority to conventional therapy and initial additional benefits in comparison with conventional rehabilitation. Conclusions: Immersive virtual reality emerges as a pivotal technological tool in rehabilitation, seamlessly integrating with conventional therapy within CP rehabilitation programs. Indeed, it not only enhances motivation but significantly increases children's functional capacity and abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Maggio
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, S.S. 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.G.M.); (R.D.L.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Maria Chiara Valeri
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.C.V.); (I.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, S.S. 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.G.M.); (R.D.L.); (M.D.F.)
| | | | - Irene Ciancarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.C.V.); (I.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Morena De Francesco
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, S.S. 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.G.M.); (R.D.L.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, S.S. 113, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.G.M.); (R.D.L.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Giovanni Morone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.C.V.); (I.C.); (G.M.)
- San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, 67039 Sulmona, Italy
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De Luca R, Calderone A, Gangemi A, Rifici C, Bonanno M, Maggio MG, Cappadona I, Veneziani I, Ielo A, Corallo F, Quartarone A, Cardile D, Calabrò RS. Is Virtual Reality Orientation Therapy Useful to Optimize Cognitive and Behavioral Functioning Following Severe Acquired Brain Injury? An Exploratory Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:410. [PMID: 38790389 PMCID: PMC11119343 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe acquired brain injury (SABI) is a leading cause of death and disability, and it is defined as a brain injury that occurs after birth due to traumatic or non-traumatic causes. Reality orientation therapy (ROT) uses repeated time-place-person orientation and meaningful stimuli to develop a better understanding of the environment and has great potential as an effective strategy to improve cognitive and behavioral functioning. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the feasibility and potential effects of virtual reality orientation therapy (VR-rot) on optimizing cognitive and behavioral functioning and depressive symptoms post-SABI. METHOD Forty patients with SABI were enrolled from October 2022 to December 2023 and divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 20) received VR_rot, while the control group (CG, n = 20) received standard ROT (S_rot). All patients were evaluated with a psychometric battery, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRS-D), administered before (T0) and after the end (T1) of rehabilitation. RESULTS Within-group comparisons indicated a statistically significant change in MMSE scores from T0 to T1 in the EG and CG, with the EG showing a greater improvement than the CG. Regarding HRS-D scores, the EG showed a statistically significant change. VR-ROT could be a valuable tool for improving cognitive-behavioral functioning in SABI patients. CONCLUSIONS The VRRS can help reduce depressive symptoms and improve the reality orientation deficit caused by traumatic brain injury and stroke on brain tissue. This study highlights the benefits of virtual reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Calderone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gangemi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Rifici
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Mirjam Bonanno
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Maggio
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Cappadona
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Isabella Veneziani
- Department of Nervous System and Behavioural Sciences, Psychology Section, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta, 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Augusto Ielo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Corallo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Cardile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C. da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Maggio MG, Cezar RP, Milardi D, Borzelli D, DE Marchis C, D'Avella A, Quartarone A, Calabrò RS. Do patients with neurological disorders benefit from immersive virtual reality? A scoping review on the emerging use of the computer-assisted rehabilitation environment. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2024; 60:37-43. [PMID: 37971719 PMCID: PMC10939039 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.23.08025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced technology that creates simulated environments and conditions. By offering the possibility of combining motor, cognitive, and well-being in conjunction with the potential to manipulate multi-sensorial features in a safe environment, VR has emerged as a promising powerful rehabilitation tool. Among advanced VR systems, various authors have highlighted promising effects in the rehabilitation of the computer-assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN - Motekforce Link; Amsterdam, The Netherlands). In our scoping review, we aimed to map the existing evidence on the use of CAREN in the rehabilitation of neurological patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A search was carried out for all peer-reviewed articles published until June 30, 2023, using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database, PeDro and Web of Science. The following terms have been used: ("Cognitive Rehabilitation" OR "Motor Rehabilitation" OR "CAREN" or "Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment") AND ("Virtual Reality" OR "Rehab"). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS From the assessed studies, only seven met the inclusion criteria: 1) one study concerned cognitive rehabilitation in patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease (PD); 2) one was on the usability of CAREN in PD patients; 3) two studies related to the influence of emotional components to CAREN rehabilitation; 4) three studies were related to motor rehabilitation using CAREN, and involved individuals with PD, Multiple Sclerosis, TBI, respectively. Generally, the few assessed studies demonstrate that CAREN is a safe and potentially effective tool to treat different symptoms (including gait and vestibular disturbances, executive function, depressive mood, and anxiety) in patients with different neurological disorders. CONCLUSIONS The reviewed literature indicated the potential use of CAREN in improving motor and cognitive skills with conflicting results on emotional aspects. However, since the data comes from few and small sample size studies, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the tool in neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocha P Cezar
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Center of Advanced Technology in Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Demetrio Milardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniele Borzelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Andrea D'Avella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Serafin S, Adjorlu A, Percy-Smith LM. A Review of Virtual Reality for Individuals with Hearing Impairments. MULTIMODAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERACTION 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/mti7040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have the potential to be applied in a clinical context to improve training and rehabilitation for individuals with hearing impairment. The introduction of such technologies in clinical audiology is in its infancy and requires devices that can be taken out of laboratory settings as well as a solid collaboration between researchers and clinicians. In this paper, we discuss the state of the art of VR in audiology with applications to measurement and monitoring of hearing loss, rehabilitation, and training, as well as the development of assistive technologies. We review papers that utilize VR delivered through a head-mounted display (HMD) and used individuals with hearing impairment as test subjects, or presented solutions targeted at individuals with hearing impairments, discussing their goals and results, and analyzing how VR can be a useful tool in hearing research. The review shows the potential of VR in testing and training individuals with hearing impairment, as well as the need for more research and applications in this domain.
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Di Libero T, Langiano E, Carissimo C, Ferrara M, Diotaiuti P, Rodio A. Technological support for people with Parkinson’s disease: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS 2022. [DOI: 10.36150/2499-6564-n523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality by a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) in Juvenile Huntington’s Disease: A Case Report. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58070919. [PMID: 35888638 PMCID: PMC9318861 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Various studies have proven the utility of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a complementary approach to conventional neurorehabilitation therapy for improving neuromuscular and cognitive outcomes in several neurological diseases. We hereby report findings from a single-case experience of a 21-year-old woman affected by juvenile Huntington’s disease (HD) who underwent a targeted rehabilitative approach using an advanced Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) with a three sessions/week schedule for six months. At the end of the program, a manifested improvement was noticed in the Falls Efficacy Scale International score, in the Tinetti Scale, in the Berg Balance score and in the lower limb strength (MRC scale). Minor although tangible improvements were also noticed in some physical performance tests (10 m walking test, time up and go test). Findings reported, although preliminary, extend for the first time the usefulness of neurorehabilitation using innovative VR technologies also to juvenile HD, a condition for which common rehabilitation strategies bring only marginal physical benefits in the majority of cases. Future, controlled studies are awaited for generalizing these observations to larger populations and for clarifying whether such benefits may persist also in the long-term.
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