Cognitive rehabilitation using immersive virtual reality at young age: A case report on traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of long-term disability and death among young adults, and it represents an enormous socioeconomic and healthcare burden. Our purpose is to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality training with BTs-Nirvana (BTs-N) on the recovery of cognitive functions in TBI subjects, using the interactive semi-immersive program. One hundred patients with TBI were enrolled in this study and randomized into either the Traditional Cognitive Rehabilitation Group (TCRG: n=50) or the Virtual Reality Training Group (VRTG: n=50). The VRTG underwent a VRT with BTs-N, whereas the TCRG received a standard cognitive treatment. Each treatment session lasted 60 minutes and was repeated three times a week for 8 weeks. All of the patients were evaluated by a specific psychometric battery before (T0) and immediately (T1) after the end of the training. VRTG and TCRG had a significant improvement in cognitive functioning and in mood, but only VRTG presented with a significant increase in cognitive flexibility and shifting skills and in selective attention. In conclusion, our results suggest that VR may be a useful and effective approach for the rehabilitation of patients with TBI, leading to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

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The Use of Virtual Reality Environments in Cognitive Rehabilitation after Traumatic Brain Injury

Virtual Reality in Health and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1201/9780429351365-7 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 71-84

Author(s):

E. Sorita ◽

P. Coignard ◽

E. Guillaume ◽

J-L. Le Guiet ◽

E. Klinger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Cognitive Rehabilitation

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Assessment of Task Demand and Usability of a Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation Protocol for Combat Related Traumatic Brain Injury From the Perspective of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Providers: A Pilot Study

Frontiers in Virtual Reality ◽

10.3389/frvir.2021.741578 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Mark Greenhalgh ◽

Christian Fitzpatrick ◽

Timothy Rodabaugh ◽

Esmeralda Madrigal ◽

Molly Timmerman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Virtual Space ◽

Task Demand ◽

Access To Treatment ◽

Air Force Research Laboratory ◽

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation

The risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is significantly higher among Veterans compared to non- Veterans. Access to treatment for TBI and post concussive symptoms is sometimes difficult, because of barriers related to distance, finances, and public safety (i.e., COVID-19 infection). Virtual reality rehabilitation (VRR) offers an opportunity to incorporate a virtual space into a rehabilitation environment. To our knowledge, VRR has not been used to assist Veterans with TBI and related health problems with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs). The purpose of this study is to investigate the usability of a novel VRR ADL and iADL training protocols, developed by the Gaming Research Integration for Learning Laboratory (GRILL®) at the Air Force Research Laboratory, for cognitive rehabilitation for Veterans with a TBI. We deployed a prototype protocol among healthcare providers (n = 20) to obtain feedback on usability, task demand, and recommended adjustments. Our preliminary analysis shows that providers found the VRR protocol involved low physical demand and would likely recommend it to their patients. Although they had some concerns with vertigo-like symptoms from using a digital technology, they believed the protocol would improve iADL functioning and was a good addition to pre-existing rehabilitation protocols. These outcomes provide justification for more impactful studies investigating the effectiveness of this protocol among Veterans with TBI.

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