Recovr reality - Recover after injury or surgery to the brain and spinal cord with virtual Reality: ideal stage 2a clinical feasibility study

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01499-3 · Published: October 29, 2024

Assistive Technology Surgery Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of virtual reality (VR) to improve neurorehabilitation for patients recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries or surgeries. The study found that VR-enhanced neurorehabilitation is feasible, safe, and acceptable for patients in acute neurosurgical settings. The results support further research into VR's potential to enhance recovery after neurotrauma or neurosurgery.

Study Duration

January to September 2023

Participants

32 participants who had neurosurgical care following surgery or traumatic brain or spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Single-group, prospective, clinical feasibility study

Key Findings

1
VR neurorehabilitation is feasible and safe in acute neurosurgical settings.
2
Most patients found VR acceptable and useful for their recovery.
3
There were no intervention-related infections, seizures, or injuries related to VR rehabilitation.

Research Summary

This study demonstrated that VR neurorehabilitation in an acute neurosurgical setting for neuro-oncology and neurotrauma patients is feasible, safe, and acceptable to deliver with high fidelity. Side-effects were minimal and tolerable for the majority of patients. This early safety profile supports the feasibility of VR integration in acute neurosurgical rehabilitation settings Neurosurgeons and neurorehabilitation therapists should explore further use cases for this technology and design powered, randomised clinical effectiveness studies with a focus on outcomes relevant to patients, including cost-effectiveness measures.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

VR can be integrated into acute neurosurgical rehabilitation settings to potentially improve patient outcomes.

Future Research

Larger, multi-center randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of VR-enhanced neurorehabilitation.

Technology Development

Further research should explore optimal VR hardware and software combinations for neurorehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of ability to infer any clinical benefit or sample sizes for future studies.
2
Heterogeneity in the study population limits both internal consistency and external validity.
3
This study only evaluated one VR hardware and software combination.

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