Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. The use of virtual reality (VR) technology may lead to increased motivation and engagement, besides allowing a wide range of possible tasks/exercises to be implemented in rehabilitation programs. The present review aims to investigate the possible benefits and efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation in individuals with SCI. Methods An electronically systematic search was performed in multiple databases (PubMed, BVS, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Scielo) up to May 2019. MESH terms and keywords were combined in a search strategy. Two reviewers independently selected the studies in accordance with eligibility criteria. The PEDro scale was used to score the methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected studies. Results Twenty-five studies (including 482 participants, 47.6 ± 9.5 years, 73% male) were selected and discussed. Overall, the studies used VR devices in different rehabilitation protocols to improve motor function, driving skills, balance, aerobic function, and pain level, as well as psychological and motivational aspects. A large amount of heterogeneity was observed as to the study design, VR protocols, and outcome measures used. Only seven studies (28%) had an excellent/good quality of evidence. However, substantial evidence for significant positive effects associated with VR therapy was found in most of the studies (88%), with no adverse events (88%) being reported. Conclusion Although the current evidence is limited, the findings suggest that VR-based rehabilitation in subjects with SCI may lead to positive effects on aerobic function, balance, pain level, and motor function recovery besides improving psychological/motivational aspects. Further high-quality studies are needed to provide a guideline to clinical practice and to draw robust conclusions about the potential benefits of VR therapy for SCI patients. Protocol details are registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42016052629).
Highlights
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. e use of virtual reality (VR) technology may lead to increased motivation and engagement, besides allowing a wide range of possible tasks/exercises to be implemented in rehabilitation programs. e present review aims to investigate the possible benefits and efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation in individuals with SCI
We identified 721 titles from searches in all databases and coming from the screened list of references (n 2) for VR-based rehabilitation studies in individuals with SCI
To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review is the first study aimed at investigating the effects of immersive or nonimmersive VR-based rehabilitation after SCI. erefore, the present review provides a systematic overview and important guidelines for future research on VR-based rehabilitation for SCI individuals
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. e use of virtual reality (VR) technology may lead to increased motivation and engagement, besides allowing a wide range of possible tasks/exercises to be implemented in rehabilitation programs. e present review aims to investigate the possible benefits and efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation in individuals with SCI. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. The studies used VR devices in different rehabilitation protocols to improve motor function, driving skills, balance, aerobic function, and pain level, as well as psychological and motivational aspects. The current evidence is limited, the findings suggest that VRbased rehabilitation in subjects with SCI may lead to positive effects on aerobic function, balance, pain level, and motor function recovery besides improving psychological/motivational aspects. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common neurological condition that often results in long-term impairments in physical function and psychological and socioeconomic status [1]. E advantage of VR-based technologies over conventional rehabilitation therapies has been associated with increased motivation, engagement [13], and the wide range of possible tasks/exercises that might be implemented [10] VR makes use of advanced technologies (such as computers and multimedia peripherals) to provide an interactive and multidimensional simulated environment that users perceive as comparable with real-life experiences [11, 12]. e advantage of VR-based technologies over conventional rehabilitation therapies has been associated with increased motivation, engagement [13], and the wide range of possible tasks/exercises that might be implemented [10]
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