Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J69963

Journal:


Neurorehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 34, 4, 759-772

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Article reviews recent outcome studies examining virtual reality applications for cognitive rehabilitation. The purpose of this review is to facilitate comparisons of therapeutic efficacy of different virtual reality interventions. A systematic approach for the review addressed the nature of each sample, treatment apparatus, experimental treatment protocol, control treatment protocol, statistical analysis and results. Using this approach, 17 studies conducted over the past eight years that provide valid evidence of efficacy of virtual reality applications are summarized. Applications that have not yet undergone controlled outcome study but which have promise are introduced. The few randomized controlled trials that have been completed show that some applications are effective in treating cognitive deficits in people with neurological diagnoses although further study is needed. Innovations requiring further study include the use of enriched virtual environments that provide haptic sensory input in addition to visual and auditory inputs and the use of commercially available gaming systems to provide tele-rehabilitation services. Recommendations are offered to improve efficacy of rehabilitation, to improve scientific rigor of rehabilitation research, and to broaden access to the evidence-based treatments that this research identified

Author(s):


Larson, Eric B., Feigon, Maia, Gagliardo, Pablo, Dvorkin, Assaf Y.