Does body shadow improve the efficacy of virtual reality-based training with BTS NIRVANA?: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in neurorehabilitation.
• The impact of specific visual stimuli, like body shadows, on functional recovery in VR training is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if incorporating body shadows into VR training enhances functional recovery in post-stroke patients.
• To evaluate the effect of BTS NIRVANA (BTs-N) with and without body shadows on neurocognitive rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty post-stroke inpatients participated in 24 sessions of BTs-N over 8 weeks.
• Participants were randomized into two groups: semi-immersive VR with body shadows (S-IVTS) or without (S-IVT).
• Evaluations were conducted before (T0) and immediately after training (T1).

Main Results:

• The S-IVTS group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in visuo-constructive skills and sustained attention compared to the S-IVT group.
• No significant differences were observed in other measured outcomes between the groups.
• Body shadows in VR training positively influenced specific cognitive functions.

Conclusions:

• Body shadows may act as high-priority stimuli, directing attention towards the body.
• This suggests a potential role for body shadows in constructing internal body representations and self-recognition.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of body shadow influence in VR rehabilitation.