![]() 18, found that clinicians initially had concerns about using VR-based rehabilitation but the concerns decreased with training, reference materials and technical support. Previous literature has also found that VR-based rehabilitation can increase upper-extremity measures of functionality, specifically through the Action Research Arm test, Wolf-Motor Function Test, grip strength, and BBT scores 16, 17. A meta-analysis found that there is no statistical difference in functional outcome measures, Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE) and Fugl–Meyer score between patients that received VR-based or conventional therapy and concluded that that rehabilitation programs that incorporate VR are associated with improved outcomes but not statistically difference compared to conventional rehabilitation 14, 15. Pervious literature has investigated the use of VR systems on functional outcomes for clinical populations. This allows for VR to assist in rehabilitation programs by providing directed highly intensive repetitive motions in a variety of settings. The flexibility of VR systems allows for these systems to be implemented in various clinical and home-based settings while using less physical space than traditional rehabilitation. Previous literature have presented VR in a multitude of ways from being screen based to immersive with different ways of interacting with the virtual environment from camera-based motion sensing to hand held controllers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. VR allows for the development of custom games that can direct specific movements as a basis for neurorehabilitation and as an adjunct therapy. Virtual reality for neurorehabilitationĪ way to address the limitations of conventional therapy is through the use of VR technology. ![]() These adjunct therapies can be developed in a variety of ways that improve patient engagement, motivation, and adherence to rehabilitation both within the clinic and in home-based settings. Previous literature has shown that by increasing motivation and engagement, with encouraging exercises, rehabilitation outcomes can improve for clinical populations 4. These adjunct therapies often are not as well standardized as conventional therapy but still demonstrate promising results for improving functional outcomes for patients 3. Therefore, there is a need for more engaging, home-based therapy that provides valuable feedback.Īdjunct therapies are meant to assist and enhance conventional therapy approaches and can include a variety of methods including mental practice, non-invasive brain stimulation, and virtual reality (VR) 3. Conventional therapy is also associated with self-directed home exercises that lack feedback and can be monotonous, leading to a decrease in motivation and natively impact high dose intensity therapy need 4. With 3.8 millions of Americans with chronic health problems experiencing limited access to transportation, regular clinical rehabilitation visits can be inconvenient and expense 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Even though conventional rehabilitation covers multiple domains of function and is the most widely utilized form of neurorehabilitation, there are still major limitations. This is a common measure of gross hand dexterity that can provide information about upper extremity functional ability in a quick and engaging manner. blocks from one box over a partition to the other box as fast as possible within a 1-min time limit. The goal of the BBT is to move as many 1-in. For the purpose of this study, we will focus on one common rehabilitation tool from conventional therapy, the box and block test (BBT). Conventional therapy is defined as behavioral therapy directed by a clinician and follows standardized guidelines and practices 3. Neurorehabilitation often covers three domains: basic conventional therapy approaches, adjunct therapies, and complications management 3. ![]() The interdisciplinary aspect of these programs often allows them to be tailored to the patients’ specific needs, whether that is a focus on the upper extremity, lower extremity, balance, or any other multitude of functional domains. Rehabilitation often includes interdisciplinary programs that establish a set of goals and specific needs of the patient to develop measures that assist the patient to reach their optimal functional ability, maximize independence and regain community engagement 2. The goal of neurorehabilitation is to maximize functional movements, community participation, and quality of life 1. Specifically, neurorehabilitation combines neuroscience and biomechanics research to understand recovery and compensatory mechanisms related to patients’ specific impairments. Clinical neurorehabilitation is focused on intensive repetitive motions that target simple actions to improve motor functions for individuals that experience nervous system disorders.
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