Towards a Closed-Loop Bioengineering Framework for Immersive VR-Based Telerehabilitation Integrating Wearable
Gaia Roccaforte1,2, Arianna Sinardi3, Sofia Ruello3,4,5
1Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Immersive virtual reality (VR) and wearable biosensors are revolutionizing telerehabilitation. This technology offers engaging, personalized, and data-driven home-based motor and cognitive therapy for neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Computer Science
Background:
- Telerehabilitation is evolving with advancements in virtual reality (VR) and wearable biosensors.
- Current rehabilitation methods face challenges in patient engagement and personalized therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a vision for home-based motor and cognitive telerehabilitation integrating immersive VR and wearable biosensors.
- To explore how this integration can enhance patient motivation, provide real-time biofeedback, and support remote supervision.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing immersive VR environments (e.g., simulated home settings) and wearable sensors.
- Incorporating gamification and rich sensory feedback to boost engagement.
- Discussing conceptual innovations like multi-sensor data integration and AI-driven personalization.
Main Results:
- VR and biosensors can increase patient motivation and adherence to therapy.
- Real-time biofeedback and remote clinician supervision are enabled.
- AI-driven personalization and dynamic difficulty adaptation can benefit patients with neuro-cognitive-motor impairments.
Conclusions:
- An integrated VR-based telerehabilitation framework offers a scalable, data-driven approach for home-based neurological rehabilitation.
- Addressing engineering requirements like data synchronization, adaptive control, and privacy is crucial for successful implementation.
