scholarly journals What Do We Know about The Use of Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation Field? A Brief Overview

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1042
Author(s):  
Antonino Naro ◽  
Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽  
The Past ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Near Future

Over the past two decades, virtual reality technology (VRT)-based rehabilitation has been increasingly examined and applied to assist patient recovery in the physical and cognitive domains. The advantages of the use of VRT in the neurorehabilitation field consist of the possibility of training an impaired function as a way to stimulate neuron reorganization (to maximize motor learning and neuroplasticity) and restoring and regaining functions and abilities by interacting with a safe and nonthreatening yet realistic virtual reality environment (VRE). Furthermore, VREs can be tailored to patient needs and provide personalized feedback on performance. VREs may also support cognitive training and increases patient motivation and enjoyment. Despite these potential advantages, there are inconclusive data about the usefulness of VRT in neurorehabilitation settings, and some issues on feasibility and safety remain to be ascertained for some neurological populations. The present brief overview aims to summarize the available literature on VRT applications in neurorehabilitation settings, along with discussing the pros and cons of VR and introducing the practical issues for research. The available studies on VRT for rehabilitation purposes over the past two decades have been mostly preliminary and feature small sample sizes. Furthermore, the studies dealing with VRT as an assessment method are more numerous than those harnessing VRT as a training method; however, the reviewed studies show the great potential of VRT in rehabilitation. A broad application of VRT is foreseeable in the near future due to the increasing availability of low-cost VR devices and the possibility of personalizing VR settings and the use of VR at home, thus actively contributing to reducing healthcare costs and improving rehabilitation outcomes.

scholarly journals Are We There Yet? Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Cognitive Function in Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. e502-e512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meelad Sayma ◽  
Remco Tuijt ◽  
Claudia Cooper ◽  
Kate Walters
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Cognitive training therapies may delay cognitive deterioration in dementia. There is potential to enhance delivery through immersive virtual reality (IVR), as removing potential distractors for cognitively impaired individuals can enhance their experience, resulting in increased engagement. Evidence in this field is emerging and not yet synthesized. We aimed to summarize research investigating the use of IVR in dementia to evaluate the current extent of use, acceptability, feasibility, and potential effectiveness. We also aimed to identify gaps in current research and to create a set of recommendations in utilizing this therapy. Research Design and Methods A systematic literature review was conducted. Our review was registered with PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42019122295. We undertook searches of five databases, article references, and citations. Key authors in the field of health care VR were also contacted to identify additional papers. Articles were assessed for inclusion by two researchers independently. Data were extracted using standardized forms. Results Our search identified a total of 2,824 citations, following screening for duplicates and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, five studies were included for analysis. Included studies were heterogeneous, with small sample sizes and mixed outcomes. Discussion and Implications We were unable to reach definitive conclusions over the use, acceptability, and effectiveness of IVR for dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Future studies should focus on ensuring their interventions are truly immersive, developing more robust controls and account for the rapid rate of obsolescence in digital technologies.

scholarly journals The Current Role of Induced Endometrial Trauma (Endometrial Scratch) in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Metwally ◽  
Stephen Walters ◽  
Robin Chatters
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Mechanical Trauma ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Current State ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Endometrial Scratch ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

AbstractInduced endometrial trauma, otherwise known as endometrial scratch is a simple technique that has been rapidly adopted into clinical practice, mainly for women having IVF treatment, in an attempt to increase pregnancy rates. The introduction of endometrial scratch followed early reports of improved clinical pregnancy rates in women with repetitive implantation failure after having the procedure and follows on from evidence from animal models in the early 20th century suggesting that mechanical trauma to the endometrium can induce decidual changes. Due to the ease and low cost of the procedure, it has been rapidly adopted as an add-on to fertility treatments, in many cases where evidence is still lacking. Despite the initial publication of a large number of studies that demonstrated encouraging improvements in pregnancy rates in women who underwent this procedure, these studies were mainly limited by the small sample sizes and heterogeneity of their study populations, leading to limited validity of the evidence provided by these studies. More recently, three large randomized controlled studies have been published that paint a different picture regarding the value of this procedure. This article explores the evolution of the evidence and the current state of endometrial scratch as an adjuvant therapy for women undergoing IVF treatment.

scholarly journals Neuropathological Associates of Multiple Cognitive Functions in Two Community-Based Cohorts of Older Adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 602-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Maritza Dowling ◽  
Sarah Tomaszewski Farias ◽  
Bruce R. Reed ◽  
Joshua A. Sonnen ◽  
Milton E. Strauss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Lewy Body Disease ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Brain Weight ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Independent Effects

AbstractStudies of neuropathology-cognition associations are not common and have been limited by small sample sizes, long intervals between autopsy and cognitive testing, and lack of breadth of neuropathology and cognition variables. This study examined domain-specific effects of common neuropathologies on cognition using data (N = 652) from two large cohort studies of older adults. We first identified dimensions of a battery of 17 neuropsychological tests, and regional measures of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology. We then evaluated how cognitive factors were related to dimensions of AD and additional measures of cerebrovascular and Lewy Body disease, and also examined independent effects of brain weight. All cognitive domains had multiple neuropathology determinants that differed by domain. Neocortical neurofibrillary tangles were the strongest predictors of most domains, while medial temporal tangles showed a weaker relationship with episodic memory. Neuritic plaques had relatively strong effects on multiple domains. Lewy bodies and macroscopic infarcts were associated with all domains, while microscopic infarcts had more limited associations. Brain weight was related to all domains independent of specific neuropathologies. Results show that cognition is complexly determined by multiple disease substrates. Neuropathological variables and brain weight contributed approximately a third to half of the explained variance in different cognitive domains. (JINS, 2011, 17, 602–614).

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Combining Visual Art Activities and Physical Exercise for Older Adults on Well-Being or Quality of Life and Mood: A Scoping Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 1784-1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roswiyani Roswiyani ◽  
Linda Kwakkenbos ◽  
Jan Spijker ◽  
Cilia L.M. Witteman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Visual Art ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Art Activities ◽  
Small Sample Sizes

Visual art activities and physical exercise are both low-intensity and low-cost interventions. The present study aims to comprehensively describe published literature on the effectiveness of a combination of these interventions on well-being or quality of life (QoL) and mood of older adults. Embase, CINAHL, Ovid Medline (R), PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2015 that evaluated interventions combining visual art therapy and exercise for people aged 50 years or older with at least one resultant well-being or QoL or mood outcome. We found 10 studies utilizing different combination programs and outcome measures, and most had small sample sizes. Seventy percent of the studies reported that combining both interventions was effective in improving well-being or QoL and mood in older adults. Future studies are, however, requisite to investigate whether in the respective population such a combination is more effective than either of the interventions alone.

scholarly journals A systematic review of the efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on cognitive enhancement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria Pabst ◽  
Shannon Proksch ◽  
Butovens Médé ◽  
Daniel Comstock ◽  
Jessica M Ross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Theta Burst Stimulation ◽  
Burst Stimulation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cognitive Faculties ◽  
Study Heterogeneity ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Theta Burst

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has been used to focally regulate excitability of neural cortex over the past decade – however there is little consensus on the generalizability of effects reported in individual studies. Many studies use small sample sizes (n < 30), and there is a considerable amount of methodological heterogeneity in application of the stimulation itself. This systematic meta-analysis aims to consolidate the extant literature and determine if up-regulatory theta-burst stimulation reliably enhances cognition through measurable behavior. Results show that iTBS – when compared to suitable control conditions — may enhance cognition when outlier studies are removed, and there is a significant amount of heterogeneity across studies. Significant contributors to between-study heterogeneity include location of stimulation and method of navigation to the stimulation site. Surprisingly, the type of cognitive domain investigated was not a significant contributor of heterogeneity. The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate that standardization of iTBS is urgent and necessary to determine if neuroenhancement of particular cognitive faculties are reliable and robust, and measurable through observable behavior.

Music listening to decrease intensity of agitated behaviour after severe acquired brain injury: An experimental multi-case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
Lena Aadal ◽  
Søren Vester Hald ◽  
Ulla Johanna Setterberg ◽  
Lars Ole Bonde
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽  
Severe Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Rehabilitation Clinic

Agitated behavior following a traumatic brain injury is frequent, placing patients and staff at risk of injury. Such behaviors decrease rehabilitation outcomes. This case study explores staff-administered listening to preferred music as an intervention to reduce agitated behavior during sub-acute rehabilitation. The study included seven patients (6♂/1♀, aged 21-74 years) with agitated behaviour and suffering from severe acquired brain injury of different aetiologies. The intervention included 15 minutes of preferred music from a customized playlist created in collaboration between a relative, a music therapist and the staff at the rehabilitation clinic. Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS)-scores, blood pressure and heart rate measurements were obtained pre and post interventions. Two tailed t-test and visual analyses were conducted. Results suggest that listening to personalized playlists of preferred music with a supportive intensity profile may reduce the intensity of agitated behavior following an acquired brain injury in the sub-acute phase. Furthermore, the music listening intervention may have contributed to reduced pulse. Due to the small sample size and few measurements, further research to support the hypothesis is recommended. However, since music listening is an easily administered low-cost intervention with no obvious side-effects, it can be considered as a supplement to usual treatment.  Keywords: Acquired brain injury, neuro-rehabilitation, agitated behaviour,                    music therapy, non-pharmaceutical 

Creating Virtual Reality Teaching Modules for Low-Cost Headsets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takudzwa Mujuru ◽  
Christian Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Past ◽  
Steady Growth ◽  
New Process ◽  
To Come ◽  
Teaching Modules ◽  
Remote Learning

Abstract In the past few years, remote learning has been on a trend of steady growth and it is projected to remain on that course in the years to come. Additionally, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to remote learning which accelerated the existing trend to remote education. Unfortunately, learners find remote classes less engaging than traditional face-to-face classes. One technology that has shown great potential to improve students’ engagement, both in face-to-face classes and remote classes, is Virtual Reality (VR). Nevertheless, while educators are no longer limited to expensive, high-tech, and high-fidelity VR hardware thanks to the introduction of low-cost, low fidelity headset, like the Google Cardboard, educators are still limited in getting relevant content and find it difficult to create their own VR teaching modules. With the objective to address these limitations, this work introduces a new process to create VR content that is easy, rapid, and affordable for educators to adopt and implement into their curriculum. The results indicate great potential for low-cost VR in remote learning as the sample of students in this study reported that they enjoyed the ‘first-hand experience’ of touring places that were inaccessible to them due to the pandemic. However, the findings also show a strong need to address usability issues such as blurriness and dizziness.

scholarly journals Biliopancreatic Diversion: The Effectiveness of Duodenal Switch and Its Limitations

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blaire Anderson ◽  
Richdeep S. Gill ◽  
Christopher J. de Gara ◽  
Shahzeer Karmali ◽  
Michel Gagner
Keyword(s):  
Biliopancreatic Diversion ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Morbidly Obese ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Perioperative Morbidity ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Gastrointestinal Side Effects ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Type Two Diabetes

The prevalence of morbidly obese individuals is rising rapidly. Being overweight predisposes patients to multiple serious medical comorbidities including type two diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea. Lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise produce modest weight reduction and bariatric surgery is the only evidence-based intervention with sustainable results. Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) produces the most significant weight loss with amelioration of many obesity-related comorbidities compared to other bariatric surgeries; however perioperative morbidity and mortality associated with this surgery are not insignificant; additionally long-term complications including undesirable gastrointestinal side effects and metabolic derangements cannot be ignored. The overall quality of evidence in the literature is low with a lack of randomized control trials, a preponderance of uncontrolled series, and small sample sizes in the studies available. Additionally, when assessing remission of comorbidities, definitions are unclear and variable. In this review we explore the pros and cons of BPD, a less well known and perhaps underutilized bariatric procedure.

scholarly journals Patients' Use of a Home-Based Virtual Reality System to Provide Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb Following Stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 350-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny J. Standen ◽  
Kate Threapleton ◽  
Louise Connell ◽  
Andy Richardson ◽  
David J. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Virtual Reality System ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Level Of Use ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Size Limits

Background A low-cost virtual reality system that translates movements of the hand, fingers, and thumb into game play was designed to provide a flexible and motivating approach to increasing adherence to home-based rehabilitation. Objective Effectiveness depends on adherence, so did patients use the intervention to the recommended level? If not, what reasons did they give? The purpose of this study was to investigate these and related questions. Design A prospective cohort study, plus qualitative analysis of interviews, was conducted. Methods Seventeen patients recovering from stroke recruited to the intervention arm of a feasibility trial had the equipment left in their homes for 8 weeks and were advised to use it 3 times a day for periods of no more than 20 minutes. Frequency and duration of use were automatically recorded. At the end of the intervention, participants were interviewed to determine barriers to using it in the recommended way. Results Duration of use and how many days they used the equipment are presented for the 13 participants who successfully started the intervention. These figures were highly variable and could fall far short of our recommendations. There was a weak positive correlation between duration and baseline reported activities of daily living. Participants reported lack of familiarity with technology and competing commitments as barriers to use, although they appreciated the flexibility of the intervention and found it motivating. Limitations The small sample size limits the conclusions that can be drawn. Conclusions Level of use is variable and can fall far short of recommendations. Competing commitments were a barrier to use of the equipment, but participants reported that the intervention was flexible and motivating. It will not suit everyone, but some participants recorded high levels of use. Implications for practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Identification of antibiotics in wastewater: current state of extraction protocol and future perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 982-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. Faleye ◽  
A. A. Adegoke ◽  
K. Ramluckan ◽  
F. Bux ◽  
T. A. Stenström
Keyword(s):  
Solid Phase ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Imprinted Polymer ◽  
Environmental Media ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Liquid Liquid Extraction ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Near Future

AbstractThe release and occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment has generated increased attention in the past few decades. The residual antibiotic in wastewater is important in the selection for antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms and the possibility of forming toxic derivatives. This review presents an assessment of the advancement in methods for extraction of antibiotics with solid phase extraction and liquid–liquid extraction methods applied in different aquatic environmental media. These advanced methods do enhance specificity, and also exhibit high accuracy and recovery. The aim of this review is to assess the pros and cons of the methods of extraction towards identification of quinolones and sulphonamides as examples of relevant antibiotics in wastewater. The challenges associated with the improvements are also examined with a view of providing potential perspectives for better extraction and identification protocols in the near future. From the context of this review, magnetic molecular imprinted polymer is superior over the remaining extraction methods (with the availability of commercial templates and monomers), is based on less cumbersome extraction procedures, uses less solvent and has the advantage of its reusable magnetic phase.

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