Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Serious Games on Cognitive-Motor Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients in Daily...

Stroke is among the most prevalent medical conditions and often leads to persistent complications within the central nervous system. It results in both physical and cognitive impairments that can substantially affect individuals' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Conventional rehabilitation exercises are frequently lengthy, repetitive, and unengaging, which may reduce adherence and limit therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, there is a pressing need to explore innovative approaches that enhance motivation, increase the frequency and duration of exercises, and improve patient satisfaction.

This protocol describes a randomized, two-blind controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment. The study will be conducted at a physiotherapy clinic in Tabriz and will compare standard rehabilitation with an intervention combining standard rehabilitation and a virtual reality (VR)-based serious game.

A VR-based serious game is an innovative technology incorporating advanced user-computer interaction to deliver simulation and engagement through visual and auditory feedback. Due to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of VR-based serious gaming interventions and the limited availability of high-quality clinical trials, further research is warranted. To date, no studies have examined the integration of VR with conventional treatments or compared it with standard physiotherapy practices.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a VR-based serious game on promoting cognitive-motor rehabilitation in stroke patients, with a focus on improving performance in daily life activities. This protocol outlines the methodology for a prospective randomized controlled trial designed to generate evidence supporting the use of VR technologies in stroke rehabilitation.