Upper limb rehabilitation interventions using virtual reality for people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts motor function, particularly in the upper limb (UL).
• Virtual Reality (VR) based interventions are emerging as a popular rehabilitation strategy for MS.
• Research specifically on VR for MS upper limb rehabilitation remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of VR interventions on upper limb (UL) function in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess whether different types of VR interventions yield varying effects on UL function in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across five major scientific databases.
• Keywords included terms related to multiple sclerosis (MS), Virtual Reality (VR), and upper limb (UL) function.
• Ten relevant studies were identified and included in the review.

Main Results:

• Included studies utilized diverse VR technologies and combined approaches (robotics, electrical stimulation, occupational therapy).
• Significant improvements in UL function were observed in several studies using measures like the Nine Hole Peg Test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment.
• Conflicting results exist regarding VR's superiority over conventional rehabilitation methods.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests VR can be effective for improving UL motor function in MS.
• There is no clear consensus on the most effective VR approaches, optimal duration, or intensity.
• Further investigation is needed, particularly into the efficacy of immersive VR interventions for MS UL rehabilitation.