Immersive virtual reality for prospective memory and eye fixation recovery following traumatic brain injury: A pilot study

Abstract

Rehabilitation is crucial for the recoveriy from traumatic brain injuries (TBI); yet, only 77 – 88% of TBI patients are receipients of rehabilitation. Particularly, individuals lacking insurance coverage or facing transportation hurdles, notably within the Hispanic community, are less likely to undergo rehabilitation. Virtual reality (VR), known for its mobility and affordability, is recommended as a rehabilitation alternative. This community-based participatory research project aimed to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and potential of VR scenarios in addressing common rehabilitative needs. Focus groups involving TBI patients (N = 12) were conducted to identify rehabilitative needs and design VR scenarios. Two novel scenarios were created to enhance prospective memory and eye tracking. The impact of the prospective memory VR scenario was assessed among individuals with brain injuries 1 year post-TBI (N = 11), who were divided into intervention and delayed-intervention groups. In addition, six participants underwent the eye-tracking VR scenario to evaluate its effectiveness. Data from memory tests and screen recordings were gathered. In the objective memory test, participants in the VR intervention group (66%) exhibited greater improvement than those in the memory card delayed intervention group (0%) after 12 sessions. However, there was no statistically significant difference in mean scores on a Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire memory scale between the intervention and delayed-intervention groups after 6 weeks. Nonetheless, all participants demonstrated enhanced eye tracking skills after completing the eye tracking VR scenario between the 6th and 12th sessions. In conclusion, the VR scenarios exhibited promise, acceptability, and feasibility in improving prospective memory and eye tracking for individuals with TBI 1 year post-injury.