Treatment for spatial neglect based on immersive virtual reality offers advantages over traditional therapies

Date:
February 11, 2022
Source:
Kessler Foundation
Summary:
Researchers describe the development of a user-centered virtual
reality system using head-mounted display and hand-tracking
technology to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in
intensive, repetitive therapy.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Kessler Foundation experts in stroke rehabilitation proposed a new
paradigm for improving treatment of spatial neglect, a disabling
condition that hinders recovery for at least 30 percent of stroke
survivors. They outlined their approach in their recent article,
"Immersive virtual reality treatment for spatial neglect: An agile user-centered development process," published online on November 15,
2021, by the Annals of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Authors are Peii Chen, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for
Stroke Rehabilitation Research, and Denise Krch, PhD, senior research
scientist in the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research.


========================================================================== Spatial neglect impairs the neural networks supporting spatial attention
and related cognitive and motor functions. People experience altered
spatial orientation, which can cause problems with balance and navigation,
as well as with memory, reading, and other cognitive processes. While
progress has been made in detecting post-stroke spatial neglect,
treatment strategies have lagged. To address the need for effective neurorehabilitation, the authors developed a treatment approach based
on immersive virtual reality (VR), which allows standardized delivery
of intensive, repetitive therapy in a flexible, engaging environment.

To develop the Kessler Foundation Spatial Re-Training Therapy
(KF-SRT[TM]), which employs a head-mounted display and hand-tracking technology, the Foundation team worked closely with Virtualware, an award-winning VR technology company based in Spain. "During user testing,
we were able to communicate the need for revisions to Virtualware
and adapt the software according to feedback from therapists and
patients," said Dr. Chen. "The resultant system has a user interface
that accommodates creation of a patient profile, a calibration module,
a choice of four game-like treatment modules, and a spreadsheet for
data collection and export, enabling therapists to review progress
across sessions." In the virtual treatment environments, patients wear a head-mounted display and hand-tracking technology to engage in a variety
of challenging motor tasks.

"The scoring algorithm rewards correct responses, with higher scores
awarded for tasks completed successfully in the neglected space,"
explained Dr. Krch.

The team reported that therapists were unanimously satisfied with the
KF-SRT user interface, and patients preferred the VR experience to
conventional therapy. "The next step is to conduct pilot studies of feasibility, limitations, and preliminary efficacy," they concluded,
"while continuing to update the system's software and technology. This
will position VR technology in the forefront of options for rehabilitating individuals with spatial neglect." Funding sources: National Institute
on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR;
grant number no. 90IFDV0001).

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========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Peii Chen, Denise Krch. Immersive virtual reality treatment
for spatial
neglect: An agile, user-centered development process. Annals of
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022; 65 (3): 101592 DOI:
10.1016/ j.rehab.2021.101592 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220211102731.htm

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