Impact of an upper limb motion-driven virtual rehabilitation system on residual motor function in patients with complete spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01587-y · Published: February 21, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study explores using virtual reality (VR) to help patients with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) activate any remaining motor function. VR aims to improve body awareness and motor imagery, potentially making sEMG assessments more sensitive in detecting residual motor control. The virtual environment allows patients to experience movement and control, even if they can't physically move their lower limbs, potentially enhancing their motor abilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 patients with AIS A/B

Evidence Level

Pilot study

Key Findings

1
Most patients showed significant electromyographic improvements in activation frequency during or after VR training.
2
VR training can enhance the activation of residual motor function by improving body awareness and motor imagery.
3
One patient with severe neuropathic pain experienced pain reduction during VR training, though motor activation wasn't observed.

Research Summary

This study investigates the use of a VR system to improve residual motor function in patients with complete SCI, aiming to enhance the sensitivity of sEMG assessments. The VR system uses upper limb motion to control a virtual avatar's lower limb movements, providing patients with a sense of agency and embodiment. The results suggest that VR can enhance motor imagery and body awareness, leading to improved sEMG activity in most patients, although individual responses vary.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation potential

VR can be used as a tool to enhance the activation of residual motor function and improve the effectiveness of sEMG assessments.

Pain management

VR may be beneficial in providing pain relief for patients with SCI-related neuropathic pain.

Personalized VR interventions

VR interventions should be tailored to individual patient characteristics, considering factors like pain levels and motor imagery abilities.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of subjective evaluation indicators collected from patients.
2
Relatively small sample size of patients.
3
Evaluations were performed immediately following a single VR training session.

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