Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Task-oriented Exercises in Ecologically Valid Environments on Motor and Cognitive Function in Individuals Post-stroke. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Task-oriented Exercises in Ecologically Valid Environments on Motor and Cognitive Function in Individuals Post-stroke. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Why is this study being done?
After a stroke, many people have problems with movement, such as walking, balance, and using their arms and hands. They may also experience difficulties with thinking skills, including attention, memory, and problem-solving. These movement and thinking abilities work closely together during everyday activities, such as preparing a meal, shopping, or moving safely through the home.
Traditional rehabilitation often treats movement and thinking problems separately. However, difficulties with attention, planning, and decision-making can affect a person's ability to move safely and learn new motor skills. Because of this, rehabilitation approaches that train both movement and thinking skills at the same time may provide greater benefits.
Virtual reality (VR) technology can create realistic, interactive environments that allow people to practice everyday activities in a safe setting. However, there is limited research on VR programs that simultaneously challenge both movement and thinking skills, and little is known about whether any benefits last over time.
What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to compare a virtual reality-based rehabilitation program that combines movement and cognitive training in realistic everyday environments with conventional occupational therapy. The study will evaluate whether the VR program leads to greater improvements in motor function and cognitive function after stroke and whether these improvements are maintained over the long term.
Stroke causes long-term disability through interconnected motor deficits (affecting balance, gait, and upper limbs) and cognitive impairments (disrupting attention, memory, and executive functions). Although these domains are traditionally treated through separate physical and neuropsychological rehabilitation pathways, post-stroke motor performance heavily depends on the cognitive processes required to plan movements and allocate attentional resources. Consequently, patients often experience cognitive-motor interference during daily activities, and cognitive deficits can actively hinder motor learning and recovery. Despite this crucial interaction, virtual reality (VR) interventions that simultaneously target both motor and cognitive demands within ecologically valid environments remain scarce, and literature regarding the long-term maintenance of their benefits is limited. Based on this gap, the study hypothesizes that an ecologically valid, dual-demand VR intervention will outperform conventional occupational therapy in improving both motor and cognitive outcomes, aiming to evaluate and compare their immediate effects and long-term therapeutic gains.
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