Treatment for spatial neglect based on immersive virtual reality offers advantages over traditional therapies.

Researchers describe the development of a user-centered virtual reality system using a head-mounted display and hand-tracking technology to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in intensive, repetitive therapy

Kessler Foundation experts in stroke rehabilitation proposed a new paradigm for improving the treatment of spatial neglect, a disabling condition that hinders recovery for at least 30 percent of stroke survivors. They outlined their approach in their recent article, “Immersive virtual reality treatment for spatial neglect: An agile user-centered development process,” (DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101592), published online on November 15, 2021, by the Annals of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Authors are Peii Chen, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research, and Denise Krch, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research.

Spatial neglect impairs the neural networks supporting spatial attention and related cognitive and motor functions. People experience altered spatial orientation, which can cause problems with balance and navigation, as well as with memory, reading, and other cognitive processes.  While progress has been made in detecting post-stroke spatial neglect, treatment strategies have lagged. To address the need for effective neurorehabilitation, the authors developed a treatment approach based on immersive virtual reality (VR), which allows standardized delivery of intensive, repetitive therapy in a flexible, engaging environment.