Potentials of Virtual Reality-based Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Post-stroke rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain motor functions and improve their quality of life. Recent advancements in technology, particularly the emergence of virtual reality (VR), have shown significant potential in enhancing the effectiveness of post-stroke rehabilitation programs. This study aims to explore the potentials and opportunities created by VR-based interventions in the post-stroke rehabilitation.

In this review study, a total of 349 articles related to the study objectives were obtained by searching databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using the keywords "Rehabilitation," "Post-stroke," "Motion Disability," and "Virtual Reality" from 2015 to 2023. After conducting refinement steps, eliminating non-relevant studies, and aligning with the objectives of the present study, 67 articles were selected. The findings were analyzed, and the results were formulated in the current article.

The findings highlighted the potential of designing interactive multidimensional environments tailored to daily activities, and free from constraints and risks of real-world environments. Personalizing exercises according to each patient's specific condition, addressing psychological barriers, empowering and facilitating rapid patient adaptation to the virtual environment, providing tele-rehabilitation services and monitoring by specialized centers, as well as the ability to record and display progress in rehabilitation treatments were among the potential benefits of utilizing VR in rehabilitation settings.

Post-stroke rehabilitation utilizing VR as a treatment option, in line with technological advancements, offers an effective platform for the recovery of stroke patients. It allows each patient to choose their personalized treatment option in an engaging and motivating environment. By specifying the type, number, and intensity of exercises, receiving feedback on performance, and monitoring progress, patients can pursue the optimal path towards achieving their functional goals.