Effects of immersive virtual reality on upper limb function in subjects with multiple sclerosis: A cross-over study

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Upper limb dysfunction is prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), impacting daily activities.
• Investigating immersive virtual reality (VR) for bilateral upper limb rehabilitation in PwMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an immersive VR system for upper limb rehabilitation in PwMS.
• To evaluate the impact of VR on gross and fine motor skills, hand strength, and self-reported functional ability.

Main Methods:

• A crossover study involving 20 PwMS with two sequences: Treatment-Waiting List (T-WL) and Waiting List-Treatment (WL-T).
• Participants underwent 12 VR rehabilitation sessions over 4 weeks using an Oculus Rift system.
• Outcomes included the Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), handgrip strength, and patient-reported scales (MAM-36, MFIS, SUS).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in gross manual dexterity (BBT) for the less affected limb.
• No significant improvements were found in the most affected limb, fine motor skills (NHPT), or handgrip strength.
• Patient-reported outcomes (MFIS, MAM-36) showed no significant changes.
• The System Usability Scale (SUS) indicated moderate usability, with lower scores for user-friendliness.

Conclusions:

• Immersive VR rehabilitation can enhance gross manual dexterity in the less affected limb of PwMS.
• Improvements did not extend to fine motor skills, hand strength, or perceived ability in daily living activities.
• The moderate usability suggests potential for VR in neurorehabilitation, but user-friendliness requires further attention.