Virtual Reality Environment
Uploaded by
Kuys XeeeVirtual Reality Environment
Uploaded by
Kuys XeeeGiven the rising incidence of stroke, several technology-driven methods for rehabilitation have
recently been developed. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising therapeutic technology among them.
We recently developed a neuroscientifically grounded VR system to aid recovery of motor function
poststroke. The developed system provides unilateral and bilateral upper extremity (UE) training in
a fully immersive virtual environment that may stimulate and activate mirror neurons (MNs) in the
brain necessary for UE rehabilitation. Twenty-three participants were randomized to a VR group
(n = 12) to receive VR intervention (8 h within 2 weeks) plus 8-h occupational therapy (OT) or a
control group (n = 11) to receive time-matched OT alone. Treatment effects on motor recovery
and cortical reorganization were investigated using the Barthel Index (BI), Fugl-Meyer Upper
Extremity (FM-UE), and resting-state fMRI. Both groups significantly improved BI (P < 0.05),
reflecting the recovery of UE motor function. The VR group revealed significant improvements on
FM-UE scores (P < 0.05) than the control group. Neural activity increased after the intervention,
particularly in the brain areas implicating MNs, such as in the primary motor cortex. Overall, results
suggested that using a neuroscientifically grounded VR system might offer additional benefits for
UE rehabilitation in patients receiving OT.
