Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
07:04
Virtual Reality Tools for Assessing Unilateral Spatial Neglect: A Novel Opportunity for Data Collection
Published on: March 10, 2021
4.5K
Development and User Experiences of a Novel Virtual Reality Task for Poststroke Visuospatial Neglect: Exploratory
Andrew Danso1, Patti Nijhuis1, Alessandro Ansani1
1Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä and University of Helsinki, Seminaarinkatu 15, Jyväskylän yliopisto, Jyväskylä and Helsinki, PO Box 35, FI-40014, Finland, 358 406643034.
JMIR XR and Spatial Computing
|December 4, 2025
Summary
This study explored virtual reality (VR) for visuospatial neglect (VSN) rehabilitation. A novel audiovisual cue VR task showed promising results, with one patient improving significantly and both reporting increased confidence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Visuospatial neglect (VSN) presents significant functional and motor challenges due to impaired spatial awareness.
- Virtual reality (VR) is explored as a supplementary approach for VSN rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial usability and effectiveness of a novel audiovisual cue-based VR task for VSN rehabilitation.
- To gather experiences from patients and physiotherapists using the VR protocol.
Main Methods:
- A VR task integrating audiovisual cues was co-designed with physiotherapists.
- Two patients with VSN underwent 12 VR intervention sessions focusing on neglected spatial areas.
- Usability, task engagement, performance metrics, and motor scores were assessed.
Main Results:
- The VR task demonstrated high usability, engagement, and safety in initial testing.
- One patient showed a significant linear decrease in task completion times, indicating improvement.
- Motor scores remained stable, while patients reported enhanced mobility confidence and task engagement.
Conclusions:
- The audiovisual cue VR task shows potential as a complementary tool in VSN rehabilitation.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is recommended to validate the findings and optimize the intervention.
