Embodiment Comfort Levels During Motor Imagery Training Combined With Immersive Virtual Reality in a Spinal Cord Injury Patient

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.909112 · Published: May 20, 2022

Assistive Technology Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated the comfort levels of a spinal cord injury (SCI) patient during motor imagery training using virtual reality (VR) combined with auditory, tactile, and thermal feedback. The study aimed to determine if adding temperature feedback to these modalities would cause discomfort during embodiment experiences. Assessments were conducted before, during (Weeks 0-5), and after the intervention, with a follow-up at 7 weeks. The patient generated lower limb motor imagery commands in an immersive environment that included visual (VR), auditory, tactile, and thermal feedback. The results showed high levels of embodiment throughout the sessions, with no significant adverse effects from the VR. The patient also reported a high degree of comfort with the thermal-tactile sleeve, indicating that combining multimodal stimulation is feasible for neurorehabilitation programs.

Study Duration

5 weeks intervention, 7 weeks follow up

Participants

1 male with ASIA complete T4 SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
High levels of embodiment were found throughout the sessions in all three domains: perception of body qualities, volitional control of movements, and tactile sensations.
2
No significant adverse effects of VR were reported during the intervention, suggesting that the multimodal approach is well-tolerated.
3
An overall reduction in pain levels was observed in all pain scales (Faces, Intensity, and Verbal) at the 7-week follow-up, indicating a potential long-term benefit of the intervention.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the comfort levels of a spinal cord injury patient undergoing motor imagery training with immersive virtual reality and multimodal feedback. The intervention included visual, auditory, tactile, and thermal stimuli to enhance the embodiment experience. The patient reported high comfort levels during the sessions, with no significant VR side effects. The study also found a modest reduction in pain levels, with a notable decrease at the follow-up evaluation. The findings suggest that multimodal stimulation can be a feasible approach for neurorehabilitation programs, potentially improving embodiment and reducing pain in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Neurorehabilitation Programs

The study supports the use of multimodal stimulation, including visual, auditory, tactile, and thermal feedback, in neurorehabilitation programs for SCI patients to enhance embodiment experiences.

Pain Management

The intervention may help reduce pain levels in SCI patients. The results showed a reduction in self-reported pain levels at the 7-week follow-up, suggesting a potential long-term benefit.

Virtual Reality Design

The study highlights the importance of comfort levels during VR interventions. Ensuring high comfort levels can improve patient engagement and adherence to rehabilitation programs.

Study Limitations

1
The study involved only one participant, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
2
The adaptation of the avatar embodiment questionnaire has not been properly validated.
3
The avatar's movement was not controlled by the participant’s neural activity during real-time decoding.

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