Effects of virtual reality rehabilitation after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01492-w · Published: October 15, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common neurological condition that can lead to various physical limitations. Virtual reality (VR) is being used to evaluate and address these limitations. This study describes and calculates the effect sizes of virtual reality intervention (VR) on the functional performance of SCI patients. The review included 16 articles and the meta-analysis pooled data from 9 studies, which included randomized and non-randomized trials with a total of 248 participants.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

248 subjects

Evidence Level

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Key Findings

1
Virtual reality (VR) interventions have the potential to enhance the walking index for spinal cord injury (WISCI) among individuals with SCI.
2
VR group showed significant improvement compared to the traditional rehabilitation group in box and block test scores.
3
VR interventions do not lead to significant improvements in lower extremity motor function (LEMS) in SCI patients.

Research Summary

This study quantitatively analyzes the effects of VR intervention on SCI rehabilitation, revealing that VR positively impacts standing movement and balance function. The study found no significant improvement in lower limb motor function and activities of daily living in SCI patients after VR training. Future research requires large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials to explore VR's role in SCI rehabilitation more deeply.

Practical Implications

Enhancing Walking Ability

VR interventions can be utilized to improve walking ability in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Improving Balance Function

VR training can be incorporated to enhance balance function among SCI patients, contributing to better stability.

Developing Targeted VR Scenarios

Future research should focus on developing VR scenarios tailored to daily life activities to improve daily living skills of SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of trials, mostly non-randomized controlled trials
2
Diverse VR training methods across studies hinder assessment of different VR software effects.
3
Instability in some outcome measures and potential publication bias.

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