Immersive Virtual Reality Application for Rehabilitation in Unilateral Spatial Neglect: A Promising New Frontier in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults in Europe. Complications following stroke include limb paresis and unilateral spatial neglect (USN) syndrome. These complications significantly reduce the patient’s ability to function normally both in the short and long term. The chance to regain function is rehabilitation. One of the techniques in USN’s rehabilitation is repetitive visual scanning training, and the effects of rehabilitation can be enhanced by limb activation, such as moving objects from one side to the other. However, rehabilitation carried out in this way is monotonous, and the assistance of a physiotherapist is necessary. This paper proposes an alternative method of rehabilitation, using virtual reality. The created application contains the most important element that occurs during rehabilitation, which is a movement pattern. At the same time, it diversifies the rehabilitation process and allows rehabilitation without constant contact with a physiotherapist. This paper presents the most important strategies to minimize the occurrence of cybersickness, which were applied in the developed application. The created application was approved by a physician and tested with the participation of five post-stroke patients. The first results were positive. Increased motivation was observed among patients using VR in therapy. Patients noticed an improvement in motor function, as well as a reduction in reaction times. In addition, physiotherapists observed an improvement in the range of motion during virtual reality therapy compared to traditional therapy. This gives hope that the app can be used in clinical practice. However, in order for the app to be incorporated into clinical practice, it is necessary to conduct studies with a larger group of patients.