Virtual Reality Applications for Neurological Disease: A Review

Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2019.00100 · Published: October 16, 2019

Assistive Technology Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is emerging as a valuable tool for neurological rehabilitation, aiding patients in regaining lost physical and cognitive abilities. VR systems allow users to interact in simulated sensory environments and receive real-time feedback, making it possible to participate in activities similar to real-life settings without risks. VR applications in healthcare include easing pain and anxiety, cognitive training, and physical/neurological rehabilitation, offering functional goals within interactive games for a more engaging therapy experience.

Study Duration

5 years (2014-2019)

Participants

12 relevant studies were identified and analyzed

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
VR shows promising potential for neurorehabilitation, with most studies illustrating positive outcomes in treating nervous system injury linked to functional disability.
2
Low-cost, immersive VR technologies can be effective for clinical rehabilitation in healthcare and home-based settings.
3
VR can be used as a cognitive training tool, illustrating significant improvements in attention and memory functions for stroke patients.

Research Summary

This systematic review examines emerging VR applications developed over the last 5 years for neurological diseases, focusing on fully-immersive VR systems. The review covers conditions like dementia, stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis, with most studies suggesting VR is feasible and effective in treating neurological disorders. The findings suggest that low-cost VR technologies can be effective for clinical rehabilitation in healthcare and home-based settings, and can improve pleasure and alertness especially for people with dementia.

Practical Implications

Clinical Rehabilitation

Low-cost, immersive VR technologies can be effectively used for clinical rehabilitation in healthcare and home-based settings.

Personalized Treatment

VR applications can be personalized and adapted to meet the specific treatment needs of individual patients, offering optimal care through machine learning and AI.

Enhanced Patient Engagement

VR and interactive devices can create holistic, portable, accessible, and usable systems that improve patient engagement and the handling of neurological disorders.

Virtual Reality Applications for Neurological Disease: A Review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Rehabilitation

Personalized Treatment

Enhanced Patient Engagement

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Virtual Reality Applications for Neurological Disease: A Review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Rehabilitation

Personalized Treatment

Enhanced Patient Engagement

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?