Title: Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Cognitive Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients
Authors:
John A. Smith, PhD
Emily R. Johnson, MS
Sarah L. Davis, MD
Affiliations:
Department of Psychology, University of XYZ
Department of Neurology, ABC Hospital
Abstract:
Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in cognitive impairments that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Traditional cognitive rehabilitation approaches have limitations in terms of engagement and individualized therapy. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for cognitive rehabilitation, offering immersive and customizable experiences. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of VR-based cognitive rehabilitation in improving cognitive functions in stroke patients.
Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 80 post-stroke patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairments. Participants were randomly assigned to either a VR-based cognitive rehabilitation group or a traditional therapy group. The VR group engaged in a 6-week program of VR-based cognitive exercises designed to target memory, attention, and executive functions. The traditional therapy group received standard cognitive rehabilitation sessions. Cognitive assessments, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Trail-Making Test, were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up.
Results: Preliminary analysis of the data reveals a significant improvement in cognitive function in the VR group compared to the traditional therapy group (p < 0.05). Specifically, participants in the VR group showed substantial gains in memory retention and attention span. These improvements were sustained at the 3-month follow-up assessment. Furthermore, participants in the VR group reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction with the therapy.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VR-based cognitive rehabilitation has the potential to be an effective and engaging intervention for stroke patients with cognitive impairments. The immersive and individualized nature of VR therapy may contribute to better outcomes and long-term cognitive gains. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is warranted to confirm these promising preliminary results.
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