Immersive Virtual Reality as a Supplement in the Rehabilitation Program of Post-Stroke Patients

Abstract

In a time when prolonging the quality of life better is not just through long-established medical practices but by technology assisting humans, various projects are challenging the traditional methods of caring for a patient. In stroke, desktop virtual environments (DVEs) are being used to supplement the patient's rehabilitation. The type of rehabilitation provides another means for patients to actively participate in the rehabilitation program through motion mirroring using their television or computer screens. However, immersive virtual reality (VR) is also gaining popularity and is challenging the common DVEs in its effectivity through involving more sensory stimulation of the nervous system. The project aims to answer the questions: Would immersion of a patient in VR positively help in their rehabilitation and what are the patient's needs that has to be addressed for it to be effective? To supplement the patients in their rehabilitation program, a mobile VR application is created using VR peripherals available commercially. The basic principle is that immersion in VR will add more sensory and cognitive stimuli to the stroke patient's traditional hospital rehabilitation. Findings of the study show positive effects of including immersive VR in the rehabilitation program of post-stroke patients. In the present, little information is available on the effects of immersive VR in motor rehabilitation. The study quantifies and qualifies its use specifically in the motor rehabilitation of stroke patients.