CNS Summit

Virtual Reality Neurorehabilitation for Mobility in Spinal Cord Injury: A Structured Review

| January 1, 2019

by Elizabeth Yeo, BS; Brian Chau, MD; Bradley Chi, BS; David E. Ruckle, BS; and Phillip Ta, MD

Ms. Yeo, Dr. Chau, Mr. Chi, and Dr. Ta are with the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Loma Linda University Health Department in Loma Linda, California. Mr. Ruckle is with Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California.

Funding: No funding was provided.

Disclosures: The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

Abstract: Objective: The goal of this review was to evaluate the evidence regarding the use of virtual reality (VR) therapy for improvement of mobility in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases in April 2018. The phrase “virtual reality” and a combination of “spinal cord injury,” “tetraplegia,” “quadriplegia,” or“paraplegia” were used as search terms. References included selected articles were reviewed as well. Articles were filtered based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) written in English, 2) peer-reviewed, 3) VR used for patients with SCI, and 4) changes in motor function evaluated. Main outcome measurements: Common outcomes of mobility assessment used in the studies included the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Limit of Stability (LOS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II) scale. Results: Seven of the nine reviewed articles were case series, while two were randomized, controlled trials. Reviewed literature demonstrated significant benefit in FRT, BBS, gait speed, muscle strength, SCIM, and WISCI-II using VR therapy. Voluntary muscle control improvement was also observed. However, no significant differences were found with regard to finehand motor movement. Conclusion: This literature review demonstrated mostly positive outcomes for the use of VR for SCI rehabilitation but were limited in quality and scope. Larger, multicenter trials are still needed.

Keywords: Virtual reality, augmented reality, spinal cord injury, tetraplegia, quadriplegia, paraplegia, mobility

Innov Clin Neurosci. 2019;16(1–2):13–20

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the second-leading cause of paralysis in the United States.1 Each year, approximately 17,000 new cases of SCI occur in the United States, with the average age of injury being 42 years. While rehabilitation lengths of stay in the acute care unit after an SCI have been on the decline since the 1970s, patients still remain under care an average of 35 days. Less than one percent of patients with SCI have acquired complete recovery of neurological function at the time of discharge.2

Within a matter of hours of initial SCI, inflammatory markers are released into the body, causing decreased likelihood of regeneration due to severe astroglial-fibrous scarring around coalesced cystic cavities. The short time span before scarring and limits in treatment options contribute to the increasing number of patients with chronic SCI. As rates of incidence, survival rates, and life expectancy increase, the goals of care have largely shifted to focus on improvement of quality of life after injury.3 Unfortunately, lifetime care costs after an SCI can range anywhere from $1.1 to 4.6 million per patient, bringing an overwhelming burden upon the patient physically, psychosocially, and financially.4

Virtual reality (VR) is the use of technology, such as a head-mounted display (HMD), tracking system, and sound device, to create an interactive three-dimensional (3D) experience. HMDs typically consist of a wearable display with two screens to project stereoscopic images of a three-dimensional computer modeled environment to the viewer. Each turn of the head or change in position relates to a synonymous translation of movement in the virtual setting. Other methods of creating an immersive environment in addition to the use of HMD include the use of large computer screens attached to the walls of the room, covering each facet of the user’s periphery to provide an encompassing virtual backdrop.5,6 The tracking system uses body-mounted accelerometers that connect the user’s movement in real life to the displayed movement in the virtual environment. Additional equipment to enhance the life-like experience play on other human sensations, such as sound and tactile response.5,6 Frequently, sound is connected to the user through earphones, while tactile responses are coupled to devices such as haptic-feedback gloves or wearable sleeves.5 Ultimately, the goal of the equipment is to create the most immersive experience possible.

Three categories of VR systems based on levels of immersion include nonimmersive, semi-immersive, and immersive. Levels of immersion are categorized by the quantity of senses stimulated by the system to construct a sense of reality established by a computer-generated environment. Nonimmersive systems are the most rudimentary, consisting solely of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse; semi-immersive systems include a larger monitor-to-body ratio to depict a virtual scenario; and immersive systems are the most advanced, using an HMD to project a comprehensive visual scene that covers all aspects of a person’s visual fields.7,8

Previously, the cost of these VR systems limited their accessibility by the general public. However, VR technology is more affordable now with the improvement in technology. In addition, the functionality of VR has expanded from entertainment into healthcare. The ever-increasing capabilities for VR technology portend an innovative approach to treatment possibilities within the medical field, including management of psychiatric disorders (e.g.,  exposure therapy) and central nervous system (CNS) disorders (e.g., rehabilitation for phantom limb pain or following traumatic brain injury).9–12 While further research into long-term effects of VR rehabilitation are limited, creating a representative safe environment to practice mental and/or physical strategies mirrored in reality with the ease in interchangeability of environments generated by a computer system has vast implications in the future of medicine. The aim of this review is to evaluate and summarize the use of VR for the improvement of mobility in patients with SCI.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases in April 2018. The phrases virtual reality, augmented reality, and alternate reality were combined with spinal cord injury, tetraplegia, quadriplegia, or paraplegia to collect data for this review. The reference lists from selected articles were included as well. Articles were filtered based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) written in English, 2) peer-reviewed, 3) VR used for patients with SCI, and 4) changes in motor function. Exclusion criteria included 1) cardiorespiratory measures, 2) kinematic measures, 3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data analysis, and 4) electrical stimulation involvement. These exclusion criteria were applied to preclude articles in which endpoint measures focused more on cardiorespiratory, kinematic, or MRI outcomes, rather than mobility findings. While the additional findings are beneficial, these measures focus on different aspects of rehabilitation and are difficult to translate to functional mobility. Electrical stimulation involvement was an exclusion criterion due to its confounding effects on VR therapy use in the improvement of functional mobility in patients with SCI. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA)13 flow diagram was used to demonstrate the screening process (Figure 1). Articles were reviewed and categorized according to evidence hierarchy previously described in literature.14,15 Articles describing patients undergoing the same treatment, but with no comparison or control group, were categorized as case series, while studies describing patients who were randomly assigned to control or comparison groups and analyzed prospectively were categorized as randomized, controlled trials.14,15

Results

A total of 133 articles were found using the search criteria. After excluding duplicates, 104 remained. Of those, 13 articles met inclusion criteria, but four were excluded based on exclusion criteria. Ultimately, this review analyzed nine studies that used VR for mobility rehabilitation in the SCI population. Seven of the nine articles were case series, while two were randomized, controlled trials.14,15 Table 1 summarizes the nine reviewed articles.

Common outcomes of mobility assessment used in the articles include the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Functional Independence Measure, Limit of Stability (LOS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II) scale. Other outcomes assessing motivation, including Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale and a Short Feedback Questionnaire (SFQ), were used in some of the articles.

Games used to facilitate mobility. In one of the first articles evaluating VR therapy in patients with SCI, Kizony et al16 used VR games to improve changes in mobility. Comparable to Kizony et al, An and Park,17 Wall et al,18 and Khurana et al19 also assessed for changes in mobility through gait and function in patients with SCI using VR games. However, each of these articles differed in the type of VR headset used, the games chosen to assess progress, and some of the tests used to evaluate changes in mobility.

In the article by Kizony et al, GestureTek’s GX-VR system (Toronto, Canada) was used to compare participants with SCI to those who were nondisabled in three programs. Users took part in three games—1) Birds & Balls (users attempt to touch approaching balls to turn them into birds before the balls burst); 2) Soccer (users simulate playing in a soccer game); and 3) Snowboarding (users simulate snowboarding down a mountainside while avoiding obstacles)—to measure changes in mobility. Success was measured in the Birds & Balls, Soccer, and Snowboarding games based on percentage of balls touched, balls prevented from crossing the goal line, and obstacles avoided, respectively. In addition, researchers measured outcomes through the SFQ, FRT, and Functional Independence Measure. Both the control and experimental groups reported a positive experience and high level of immersion  in the different environments, but no significant difference was found regarding changes in the SFQ, FRT, or Functional Independence Measure.16 Some side effects after use of VR therapy included discomfort due to fatigue and pain from injury site. However, the discomfort was experienced by these participant at the same body site and level of intensity they experienced while undergoing conventional therapies.16

Researchers compared relationships between FRT and success in the VR programs. Groups who scored above the median in FRT performed significantly better in some of the games than those who scored below the median. In Level 3 of Birds & Balls, the above the median FRT group average response time was faster than the below the median FRT group average response time (z= -2.42, p=0.014). In Level 2 of Soccer, the above the median FRT group average success percentage was higher than below the median FRT group average success percentage (z= -2.22, p=0.022). No other significant differences were found between these groups in the rest of the levels or games. When performance of nondisabled subjects was compared to that of SCI groups, the nondisabled group outperformed the SCI group.16

Similar to Kizony et al, An and Park17 used Soccer and Volleyball programs, but also used other games­­­—Conveyor (users move virtual boxes between conveyor belts), Formula Racer (users race in a virtual Formula 1 racing car), and Airborne (users steer a parachute through different obstacles in order to land)—in a semi-immersive VR experience to measure changes in mobility in patients with SCI. Patients used the Interactive Rehabilitation Exercise (IREX) VR system, which included a television screen, camera, gloves, computer monitor, and mat to play six programs. Researchers used the LOS and BBS tests to measure standing balance ability. They measured upright mobility function with the TUG test, ABC scale, and WISCI II scale. Participants improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention after six weeks in overall LOS (OLOS) scores (32.00–46.40, p<0.01), BBS scores (35.70–40.10, p<0.01), TUG test times (19.35–17.14, p<0.05), ABC scores (67.90–76.85, p<0.05), and WISCI-II scores (p<0.05). No one dropped out of the study or reported adverse effects from the study.17

In a study by Wall et al,18 six participants with chronic iSCI longer than one year used the Nintendo Wii Fit as nonimmersive VR therapy. Researchers chose 10 VR programs of various games that dealt with a mix of balance, endurance, speed, and reaction time. Researchers measured gait speed using the Flying Start method of the 10 Meter Walk Test, TUG, Forward Functional Reach Test (FFRT), Lateral Functional Reach Test (LFRT), and the RAND SF-36 health measure survey. Researchers found significant increases, pre- to postintervention, in gait speed (p=0.001, d=0.35), FFRT (p<0.001, d=1.12), and LFRT (p=0.001, d=0.88). No significant differences were found in pre-to post-test in TUG (p=0.25, d= -0.04) and SF-36 (p=0.09, d=0.45). In the follow-up at four weeks, patients continued to maintain gait speed and forward and lateral functional reach.18

Khurana et al19 randomized 30 patients into two groups to assess the benefit of real-world, task-specific rehabilitation versus VR game-based training. Real-world, task-specific training was accomplished by performing specifically designed exercises that moved the upper body outside the base of support, with progressively increasing movement to intensify the difficulty over time. VR game-based training was accomplished by playing games that also moved the upper body outside the base of support, with increasing levels of difficulty as the games went on. Outcomes were assessed by the modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT), the T-Shirt Test, and the Spinal Cord Independence measure (SCIM-III) one day prior to starting treatment and one day after training completion. Under the mFRT assessment, both groups demonstrated improvement with respect to time (p=0.001) and time x  group (p=0.001), but not with respect to group (p=0.057). By T-Shirt Test analysis, the VR game-based training group improved more quickly than the real-world task-specific training group with respect to group (10 second improvement vs. 2.4-second improvement; p=0.05), but not with respect to time (p=0.14) or time x group (p=0.99). Under SCIM-III analysis, there was a significant pooled improvement for time (p=0.001), but not for Group (p=0.07) or time x group (p=0.16).19

Lower limb mobility. In an attempt to focus solely on lower limb movement, Villiger et al20 studied the neurorehabilitation effect of VR augmented leg movement training in 14 patients with iSCI. The VR system used was a prototype of the subsequently commercialized YouGrabber® (Reha Stim Medtec,  Schlieren, Switzerland), which was modified by adding two accelerometer sensor nodes for a total of four. The nodes were placed on the back of the ankle and the lower calf of each leg of participants. Patients interacted with the VR through a game interface through which the user could choose from a variety of activities, such as juggling a ball between their feet with ankle flexion to kicking a ball into the stars with knee extension. This study was subsequently followed up by Villiger et al21 using a similar VR system with nodes that were placed in different locations. In this newer study, a mobile prototype of the YouKicker® system (Reha Stim Medtec,  Schlieren, Switzerland) relayed information from accelerometer nodes attached to the dorsum of the foot and the distal tibia of each participant to a virtual projection of the feet and legs from a first-person view. Clinically relevant exercises represented through VR games were then played by 11 subjects with chronic iSCI who were able to achieve higher scores than their initial scores based on faster ankle flexion, knee extension, or leg ad-/abduction.21

In Villiger et al,20 the training session consisted of approximately 300 repetitions of ankle movements or 75 repetitions of knee movements. For all 13 patients with chronic iSCI who were able to walk, their 10-meter walk test speed reached minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and 8 of 13 met or exceeded minimal detectable change (MDC) for an average increase of 11.9 percent. At 3- to 4-month post-assessment, 11 of 13 reached MCID, and 7 of 13 reached MDC. Significant increases in BBS scores (16.5% improvement, p=0.001), muscle strength as defined on a scale from 0 to 50 (7.3% improvement, p=0.001), and mobility as measured by both SCIM (8.5% improvement, p=0.001) and WISCI II (12% improvement, p=0.004) were observed in all 13 subjects at both completion of the training program and 12 to 16 weeks after treatment follow-up assessments. As a side note, the authors stated that patients reported high levels of enjoyment, motivation, and attention during VR training sessions. Seven of the 14 patients reported a better mood after VR training in more than half of the sessions.20

In Villiger et al,21 in patients with chronic iSCI, each VR session consisted of around 500 ankle-based movements or 100 knee-based movements. Progress was measured by lower extremity motor score (LEMS), BBS, and TUG. At post-series assessment, significant muscle strength (LEMS, p=0.008), balance (BBS, P=0.008), and functional mobility were noted (TUG, p=0.005). Additionally, 7 of 11 subjects improved at least one grade in ankle dorsiflexion. Finally, at the 2- to 3-month follow-up, all subjects showed lasting benefits with respect to functional mobility (TUG, p=0.005). All 11 patients reported some improvement at conclusion of treatment series, seven of them reporting marked improvement.21

Bodyweight gait protocol for walking. Using a different methodology to improve mobility, Donati et al22 assessed a long-term VR training approach (12 months) in eight patients who had chronic SCI, with the goal to improve walking ability. The intensive six-part protocol included 1) VR combined with EEG-driven visuo-tactile feedback, 2) both seated and upright, 3) a robotic exoskeleton style bodyweight support gait system used to walk on both a treadmill, 4) and an over-ground track, 5) an EEG-controlled robotic exoskeleton on a treadmill, and 6) gait training with an EEG-controlled sensitized robotic exoskeleton. In Parts 1, 2, 5, and 6, the patients received continuous, real-time tactile feedback. The complexity was increased as the patients progressed and learned each step sufficiently. Altogether, the eight participants had nearly 2,000 hours of neurorehabilitation over 2,052 sessions. Sensation to monofilament and pinprick improved across all patients, and Present Pain Intensity scores decreased. Improvement in motor function was noted for all patients through EMG recordings. Additionally, 7 of 8 patients recovered some function to two or more muscles below their SCI, determined by ASIA protocol assessment, and all eight patients recovered consistent motor function to at least one muscle below their SCI per EMG recordings. Half of the patients had changed ASIA classification by the completion of the study, three of them moving from ASIA A to ASIA C. Per WISCI scores, all patients experienced a 3-to-6-point gain. Some patients went from not being able to ambulate to being able to ambulate with walker, braces, and the assistance of one person. Of note, no comparison or control group was evaluated in this study.22

Fine hand movements. With hopes of improving fine hand movements, Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al23 used the VR system CyberGlove® (CyberGlove Systems Inc., San Jose, California), a glove placed around the user’s hand to provide tactile feedback sensation and record up to 22 joint angle measurements. The user’s hand movements translated to a virtual hand displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Users took part in three tasks involving reach and release of objects. In a similar study, Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al24 evaluated 31 tetraplegic patients with SCI using the Toyra VR therapy (Toyra, Alcobendas, Madrid), which captures and records real-time motions using sensors attached to the person’s body. Similarly, the tasks involved VR sessions in the form of interactive environments geared toward improving autonomy during ADLs, through display of an object and requirement of the subject to perform the motor action necessary to work said object. In both studies, the control group underwent only conventional therapy, which included ADL training, upper limb functional exercises, and physiotherapy sessions, while the experimental group underwent conventional therapy plus VR therapy.

In the Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al study,23 researchers used the Muscle Balance Scale to obtain muscle force measurements, Barthel Index (BI) to obtain functional capacity measurements, and Nine Hole Peg Test and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function to obtain fine finger movement measurements. SCIM-III self-care scale, FIM, BI and Motricity Index were also assessed. No significant differences were found in either group included in both of Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al’s studies.23,24 However, in the CyberGlove study, the time to completion of tasks decreased in a majority of the users,23 and in the Toyra study, authors noted the patient perceived effectiveness was rated a 4.27 out of 5.00 and overall satisfaction with VR treatment was 84.8 percent.24

Discussion

The aim of this review was to analyze the available published data on the use of VR for improvement of mobility in patients with SCI.  In all studies, change in functional mobility was assessed. Of the nine articles using VR to treat patients with SCI, six reported significantly positive mobility outcomes, one reported limited change in mobility outcomes, and two reported no change in mobility outcomes after use of VR; in these latter two, the investigator did note the perceived effectiveness and satisfaction of patients were highly rated.

Games used to facilitate mobility. Four articles evaluated use of VR games to improve balance and mobility in SCI patients.16–19 In all articles, the positive results in FRT, BBS scores, and gait speed time suggest VR might benefit overall change in mobility, most likely from practice of balance and mobility within the VR environment. These practices involved performing tasks concerning changes in center of gravity movements, such as avoiding obstacles and reaching for items below their waist level. By participating in games that require frequent weight shifting and bending of the body to reach objects, participants constantly performed balancing exercises necessary for postural stability. In addition, many games focused on avoiding obstacles requiring upright balance and motility. As participants progressed within the games, new skills were possibly integrated into motor patterns and adjusted to improve real-life function. These studies suggest VR games might be an alternative approach to advancement of balance and mobility in rehabilitation of patients with SCI due to the practice of movements used in real life that enhance balance.

An and Park17 also demonstrated significant differences in pre- and post-intervention TUG test, suggesting VR games might improve upright mobility in patients with SCI. However, TUG scores in Wall et al18 did not show significant change, which might be due to the nature of the games played. All of the games through the Nintendo Wii Fit required balance and adaptability. However, most of the games did not involve moving from a sitting to a standing position. Once again, skills practiced in the VR setting seemed to improve skills needed in real life. Thus, possibly since motions required for the TUG test were never practiced within the VR therapy, no significant improvement was found in the TUG test.

Lower limb mobility. In Villiger et al,20,21 significant improvements were found in BBS scores, muscle strength, SCIM, and WISCI-II. Like prior studies using VR games to enhance treatment, this study demonstrated improvement in variety of lower limb functions including strength, stability, and functional mobility. While muscle strength alone does not necessarily correlate with walking ability, the overall improvements in several aspects related to mobility support the concept that VR rehabilitation might demonstrate efficacy in overall walking ability. The motivation of patients to perform rehabilitation exercises is a critical component of therapy.25–28 In Villiger et al,20,21 VR therapy was shown to be a motivating factor. In Villiger et al,20 participants underwent hundreds of similar movements during each training session, with reported high levels of enjoyment. Thus, VR therapy might be an alternatively engaging way for patients to undergo rehabilitation.

BMI gait protocol for walking. Unlike prior studies, Donati et al22 used a BMI-based gait protocol and reported significant improvement in tactile sensation, proprioception, vibration, and nociception among all eight patients. Improvement in voluntary muscle control was also observed, allowing three participants to be reclassified from ASIA A to C and one from ASIA B to C. This study demonstrates the potential efficacy of visualization in both the improvement of sensory and motor function. While this study exhibited promising results, the lack of a control group tempers the authors’ conclusions.

Fine hand movements. To measure changes in fine hand movements, Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al23,24 evaluated patients using a CyberGlove in one study and the Toyra VR system in another study. In both studies, no significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed variables. The lack of significant differences in these studies could be due to the uniqueness of the methods. The time period in which participants underwent therapy might not have been long enough to show significant changes. Although other studies were able to show significant differences in mobility, this study differed in that the investigators were attempting to find significant differences between two groups, both of which were undergoing some form of therapy. To observe significant improvements in these groups, longer durations of sessions might be needed.

Motivation and interest. While all studies evaluated for some aspect of mobility, many studies also included motivation as a measurable outcome. In Kizony et al,16 participants provided generally positive feedback after use of VR treatment. While more studies using randomized, controlled trial methodology are needed, the positive feedback from both nondisabled and SCI groups in this study is noteworthy because it suggests that high motivation might be an important component of successful rehabilitation.28,29 

Interestingly, An and Park17 also measured confidence in balance using the ABC scale and found scores significantly improved. Because many patients are limited by fear of falling during rehabilitation, patients might demonstrate reluctance to perform therapies necessary for improvement.30 However, significantly increased confidence levels might translate to improved interest and participation levels in therapy.

In Wall et al,18 while patients reported ability to complete more tasks at home due to improved balance following VR rehabilitation, the SF-36 did not demonstrate significant improvement. This discrepancy could be explained by the inability of the SF-36 to record minute improvements in confidence within the individual. Although these changes might seem insignificant, confidence can provide motivation for rehabilitation.

In addition to functional mobility, Villiger et al20 and Dimbwadyo-Terrer et al24 assessed other outcomes. Participants rated effectiveness and satisfaction greater than 80 percent and enjoyment, motivation, and attention greater than 85 percent, respectively. Because functional mobility is highly dependent on motivation,25,29 positive attitudes toward VR is important in fostering a supportive environment in which patients feel motivated to engage in their rehabilitation.

Along with the benefits of improving motivation through VR games, VR therapy has the option of providing regimented treatment programs suited toward the individual needs of each patient. Various games offer different levels of difficulty, a measurable outcome, and depending on ability, levels can be chosen to match the capabilities of the patient. As patients improve in mobility, treatment programs can evolve by increasing the level of difficulty. Engagement promoted by competitive nature of these VR therapy games might foster better patient participation in therapy. The progress of patients also can be tracked with ease throughout the program in a quantitative manner. The ability to visualize progress might be a motivating factor in itself for patients. Additionally, computerized systems allow participants to compare progress and scores among each other and encourage friendly competition. Ultimately, VR therapy games might provide a more entertaining approach to therapy that can encourage consistent participation compared to conventional therapy.

Side effects. A reported side effect of VR therapy is nausea caused by the disorientation of visual movements in a virtual experience.31 However, in the articles we reviewed, the lack of reported nausea and vomiting by participants in Kizony et al16 and An and Park17 studies suggests this side effect might not be an issue among patients with SCI. Furthermore, in Kizony et al,16 users reported no additional side effects that were not already experienced in conventional therapy. No other adverse events were reported in any of the articles we analyzed.

Limitations. Although outcomes were similar in some of the studies, the type of VR and protocol used varied vastly among reviewed articles. In addition, while many studies had generally positive findings, additional studies using randomized controlled trial methodology are needed. Only 2 of the 9 studies enrolled 20 or more participants, revealing the limitation of small sample size. Furthermore, the diversity of participants in type of injury, time from injury, level of injury, and classification of injury largely hinders the generalizability of the studies. While quality of evidence supporting use of VR in SCI rehabilitation remains low, the existing data suggest promising results.

Conclusion

Overall, the evaluated data demonstrated mostly positive outcomes for the use of VR in SCI rehabilitation but were limited in quality and scope. Larger, better-designed trials are needed to support use of VR as a definitive method of treatment for SCI. With the decrease in costs and increased availability of technology to the general public, VR is conceivably a prospective option for rehabilitation in the SCI population.

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the Loma Linda University Health Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for their support.

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