A Therapeutic Approach Using the Combined Application of Virtual Reality with Robotics for the Treatment of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148772 · Published: July 19, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This systematic review analyzes the effectiveness of using virtual reality (VR) and robotics together to treat patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The review included six studies with a total of 63 participants. It looked at how this combined therapy affected upper limb mobility and strength, as well as lower limb function. The studies used different VR systems and robotic devices. Some focused on upper limbs, while others targeted lower limbs. The goal was to see if this approach could improve motor function in SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

63 participants

Evidence Level

Level 1 to 5

Key Findings

1
Improvements were noted in upper limb mobility, specifically in shoulder and upper arm movement.
2
The combined therapy helped in strengthening weaker muscles, particularly in the upper limbs.
3
The review suggests that combined rehabilitation with VR and robotics may improve motor function in SCI patients, but more research is needed with larger patient groups and longer study durations.

Research Summary

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining virtual reality (VR) and robotics in treating patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The review included six studies, involving a total of 63 participants, and assessed outcomes related to upper and lower limb function. The review found that combined VR and robotics therapy showed potential for improving motor function, particularly in the upper limbs, but further research is needed with larger samples and longer durations.

Practical Implications

Neurorehabilitation Enhancement

Combining VR and robotics can offer a more engaging and effective method for neurorehabilitation, promoting active patient participation.

Targeted Muscle Strengthening

The approach can specifically target weaker muscles, improving strength and mobility in SCI patients.

Future Research Directions

The review highlights the need for more extensive research to establish optimal protocols and assess long-term functional benefits.

Study Limitations

1
The study search revealed few papers that applied VR together with robotics in patients with SCI.
2
The small sample of participants, the short duration of the treatment and the variety of measuring instruments in each of the studies should also be noted as difﬁculties in making a meta-analysis for signiﬁcant pooled results.
3
Some studies included healthy subjects, which, together with the aforementioned limitations, contributes to the scarcity of statistically signiﬁcant results.

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