Do Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Beneﬁt from Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality Cognitive Training? Preliminary Results from an Exploratory Study on an Underestimated Problem

Brain Sci., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060945 · Published: June 13, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries can lead to cognitive problems. This study investigates whether virtual reality (VR) cognitive training can help SCI patients improve their cognitive function and overall well-being. The study compared a group of SCI patients who received traditional cognitive training to a group who received semi-immersive VR cognitive training, and the VR group showed improvements in cognitive functioning, mood, and quality of life. The findings suggest that VR cognitive training could be a beneficial addition to traditional rehabilitation for individuals with SCI by integrating movement and increased feedback for motor and cognitive recovery.

Study Duration

October 2018 and February 2020

Participants

42 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Retrospective case-control study

Key Findings

1
Patients undergoing VR training sessions showed improvements in both cognitive functioning (MoCA) and mood (BDI) outcomes, as well as quality of life and perceived physical functioning (SF-12).
2
The experimental treatment in all patients with ASIA B led to an improvement in all test scores, except mood (BDI).
3
In the EG-A (i.e., patients with ASIA A), we observed a signiﬁcant improvement in global cognitive functions; overall quality of life, in terms of both mental and physical perception; and mood.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of semi-immersive virtual reality (VR) cognitive training on global functional recovery in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results suggest that SCI patients could benefit from cognitive training using semi-immersive VR, potentially improving motor and cognitive recovery. The study highlights the potential of VR-based rehabilitation to provide coherent physiological feedback, improve motor skills, mood, and cognition, and enhance quality of life in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Integrating semi-immersive VR cognitive training into rehabilitation programs for SCI patients may lead to improved cognitive and motor outcomes.

Personalized Therapy

VR-based training can be personalized in real-time to adjust the difficulty level, execution speed, and training area, offering a more tailored therapeutic approach.

Multisensory Stimulation

VR systems can promote global functional recovery by acting on use-dependent neural plasticity through multisensory and task-oriented approaches.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size may limit the generalizability of the results.
2
The retrospective design may introduce biases.
3
Absence of assessment of other variables, including changes in drug treatment, could have influenced the results.

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