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The effects of virtual reality training in stroke and Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation : a systematic review and a perspective on usability

Sevcenko, Ksenija and Lindgren, Ingrid LU (2022) In European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 19(1).
Abstract

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) training is emerging in the neurorehabilitation field. Technological advancement is often faster than clinical implementation. Previous reviews stressed the study design and methodological weaknesses of research in the field of VR for neurorehabilitation. Clinically relevant conclusions on implementation in particular patient groups are needed. The aim was to update the existing knowledge with the recent evidence on the effects of VR training on functional ability of patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Secondary objective was to analyze the aspects of usability of VR intervention in these populations. Methods: Systematic literature search (via PubMed, CENTRAL) was conducted from inception... (More)

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) training is emerging in the neurorehabilitation field. Technological advancement is often faster than clinical implementation. Previous reviews stressed the study design and methodological weaknesses of research in the field of VR for neurorehabilitation. Clinically relevant conclusions on implementation in particular patient groups are needed. The aim was to update the existing knowledge with the recent evidence on the effects of VR training on functional ability of patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Secondary objective was to analyze the aspects of usability of VR intervention in these populations. Methods: Systematic literature search (via PubMed, CENTRAL) was conducted from inception to February 29, 2020 to identify suitable articles for two population subcategories. Randomized controlled trials published from 2016 to 2020, investigating the effectiveness of VR on a variety of outcomes contributing to the functional independence were included. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used for a methodological quality assessment of the primary studies. Given the heterogeneity in types of VR intervention and outcomes, a descriptive synthesis was conducted. Results: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials were included (10 in stroke subcategory, 8 in PD). CASP grading ranged 9–11, suggesting high methodological quality. All studies concluded that overall VR might be as effective as the conventional training, but more motivating. In some studies, VR was found to have a greater effect, taking the high response to treatment and satisfaction into account. Conclusions: VR training is suggested as an effective intervention to improve the functional ability in stroke and PD patients. Addition of VR into a rehabilitation program might facilitate patient’s motivation, participation and improvement, as this method was generally well accepted, and the results of trials were promising. The consideration of disorder-specific aspects should take place during the decision-making of VR implementation.

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author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Healthy aging, Parkinson’s disease, Rehabilitation, Stroke, Telerehabilitation, Virtual reality exposure therapy
in
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
volume
19
issue
1
article number
4
publisher
Springer
external identifiers
  • scopus:85123483580
  • pmid:35078401
ISSN
1813-7253
DOI
10.1186/s11556-022-00283-3
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
f783d12f-ebe7-4ea9-b509-ddfd01fa7fd4
date added to LUP
2022-03-24 16:31:29
date last changed
2024-06-13 11:18:58
@article{f783d12f-ebe7-4ea9-b509-ddfd01fa7fd4,
  abstract     = {{<p>Background: Virtual Reality (VR) training is emerging in the neurorehabilitation field. Technological advancement is often faster than clinical implementation. Previous reviews stressed the study design and methodological weaknesses of research in the field of VR for neurorehabilitation. Clinically relevant conclusions on implementation in particular patient groups are needed. The aim was to update the existing knowledge with the recent evidence on the effects of VR training on functional ability of patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Secondary objective was to analyze the aspects of usability of VR intervention in these populations. Methods: Systematic literature search (via PubMed, CENTRAL) was conducted from inception to February 29, 2020 to identify suitable articles for two population subcategories. Randomized controlled trials published from 2016 to 2020, investigating the effectiveness of VR on a variety of outcomes contributing to the functional independence were included. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used for a methodological quality assessment of the primary studies. Given the heterogeneity in types of VR intervention and outcomes, a descriptive synthesis was conducted. Results: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials were included (10 in stroke subcategory, 8 in PD). CASP grading ranged 9–11, suggesting high methodological quality. All studies concluded that overall VR might be as effective as the conventional training, but more motivating. In some studies, VR was found to have a greater effect, taking the high response to treatment and satisfaction into account. Conclusions: VR training is suggested as an effective intervention to improve the functional ability in stroke and PD patients. Addition of VR into a rehabilitation program might facilitate patient’s motivation, participation and improvement, as this method was generally well accepted, and the results of trials were promising. The consideration of disorder-specific aspects should take place during the decision-making of VR implementation.</p>}},
  author       = {{Sevcenko, Ksenija and Lindgren, Ingrid}},
  issn         = {{1813-7253}},
  keywords     = {{Healthy aging; Parkinson’s disease; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Telerehabilitation; Virtual reality exposure therapy}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{1}},
  publisher    = {{Springer}},
  series       = {{European Review of Aging and Physical Activity}},
  title        = {{The effects of virtual reality training in stroke and Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation : a systematic review and a perspective on usability}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00283-3}},
  doi          = {{10.1186/s11556-022-00283-3}},
  volume       = {{19}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}