The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR)-Assisted Physical and Cognitive Rehabilitation on Stroke Recovery: A Mini Systematic Review

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, requiring specific treatment strategies. Traditional methods often face limitations including accessibility, intensity, and patient engagement. This review evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-assisted rehabilitation in improving motor, cognitive, as well as psychosocial outcomes for its survivors. A search of PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ASME, Cochrane, and Scopus identified relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024. The eligible criteria included RCT and other similar studies focusing on the VR for stroke recovery. Data on study designs, its characteristics, intervention details, and outcomes were extracted and then synthesized. Three studies met the criteria and confirmed that VR improved motor recovery, cognitive function, and psychosocial well-being. In detail, a study concluded enhanced gait speed and motor coordination with combined tDCS and VR treadmill training. Another study demonstrated improvements in upper limb functionality and cognitive function by a diverse VR program, while another found gains in motor function, balance, and psychosocial wellbeing with VR and pharmacological treatment. In conclusion, VR improves motor, cognitive, and psychosocial outcomes significantly in stroke patients compared to a single conventional therapy. The immersive and interactive nature of VR enhances user engagement and adherence, offering a promising avenue for stroke rehabilitation.