Go Virtual to Get Real: Virtual Reality as a Resource for Spinal Cord Treatment

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041819 · Published: February 13, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Virtual reality (VR) techniques can stimulate multiple senses and motor skills simultaneously. For spinal cord injuries (SCIs), VR can improve sensory perception, movements, attitudes, and social behavior during rehabilitation, from acute to chronic stages. VR can help patients with SCI by creating a virtual environment that enriches their sensory and motor experiences, promoting neural regeneration and plasticity. It can also help manage neuropathic pain, motor rehabilitation, and psychological well-being. VR provides an interactive, multidimensional, and multisensorial simulated environment that is at least partially comparable with embodied real-life experiences. This interaction-based technology increases user motivation and engagement, which in turn improves adherence to treatment.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
VR-based interventions can improve motor functions, neuropathic pain, balance, and aerobic function in patients with SCI.
2
Immersive VR-based rehabilitation after SCI can result in significant, positive improvements in motor function compared to non-immersive techniques.
3
VR procedures, especially when combined with other non-invasive techniques (i.e., tDCS), should be introduced along with standard rehabilitation for SCI treatment.

Research Summary

VR techniques allow for the coherent stimulation of multiple sensory and motor domains, potentially influencing rehabilitation treatment for spinal cord injuries from acute to chronic stages. VR offers advantages for SCI treatment by manipulating sensory-motor feedback to alter body signals, enriching sensorial perceptions and motor intention to promote neural regeneration and plasticity. VR can be a therapeutic tool for improving motor function, reducing pain perception, and enhancing psychological and motivational outcomes in SCI patients, by enhancing congruent physiological feedback.

Practical Implications

Improved Motor Rehabilitation

VR provides personalized, high-intensity training to improve control of movement and balance using multisensory feedback, enabling patients to imagine moving in a real, physical space.

Effective Pain Management

VR offers a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical alternative for patients with SCI-related neuropathic pain and unpleasant phantom sensations, enhancing the patients’ ability to imagine themselves moving.

Enhanced Psychological Well-being

VR can improve quality of life and mental health in SCI patients, addressing psychological disorders and improving cognitive function and behavioral abilities.

Study Limitations

1
Discordant results due to non-standard procedures and different devices make it difficult to compare and reproduce findings.
2
Design concerns, undesirable effects (e.g., headache and nausea), and the use of devices not designed for rehabilitation can limit VR application.
3
Ethical issues such as anxiety, social isolation, and unrealistic expectations of treatment must be managed carefully.

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