Efficacy of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Autor(es)

Lacerda de Araujo, Amanda Vitoria ^[1] ; de Oliveira Neiva, Jaqueline Freitas ^{[2, 1]} ; de Mello Monteiro, Carlos Bandeira ^{[1, 3]} ; Magalhaes, Fernando Henrique ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Arts Sci & Humanities EACH, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport EEFE, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Postgrad Program Rehabil Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo de Revisão
• Fonte: BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL; v. 2019, NOV 13 2019.
• Citações Web of Science: 1

Resumo

Background. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. The use of virtual reality (VR) technology may lead to increased motivation and engagement, besides allowing a wide range of possible tasks/exercises to be implemented in rehabilitation programs. The present review aims to investigate the possible benefits and efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation in individuals with SCI. Methods. An electronically systematic search was performed in multiple databases (PubMed, BVS, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Scielo) up to May 2019. MESH terms and keywords were combined in a search strategy. Two reviewers independently selected the studies in accordance with eligibility criteria. The PEDro scale was used to score the methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected studies. Results. Twenty-five studies (including 482 participants, 47.6 +/- 9.5 years, 73% male) were selected and discussed. Overall, the studies used VR devices in different rehabilitation protocols to improve motor function, driving skills, balance, aerobic function, and pain level, as well as psychological and motivational aspects. A large amount of heterogeneity was observed as to the study design, VR protocols, and outcome measures used. Only seven studies (28%) had an excellent/good quality of evidence. However, substantial evidence for significant positive effects associated with VR therapy was found in most of the studies (88%), with no adverse events (88%) being reported. Conclusion. Although the current evidence is limited, the findings suggest that VR-based rehabilitation in subjects with SCI may lead to positive effects on aerobic function, balance, pain level, and motor function recovery besides improving psychological/motivational aspects. Further high-quality studies are needed to provide a guideline to clinical practice and to draw robust conclusions about the potential benefits of VR therapy for SCI patients. Protocol details are registered on PROSPERO (registration number: ). (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 12/16970-6 - Aprendizagem motora na distrofia muscular: tarefa de labirinto no computador
• Beneficiário: Carlos Bandeira de Mello Monteiro
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 15/13096-1 - Adaptações neuromusculares associadas à prática esportiva: efeito da fadiga muscular sobre parâmetros eletromiográficos e sobre o controle postural
• Beneficiário: Fernando Henrique Magalhães
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular