Brain Activation in Rehabilitation of Cerebrovascular Disorders Using VR Technology

In recent years, digitization has spread in various medical fields, and there is growing interest in the introduction of VR technology, which can be enjoyed like a game, in the rehabilitation field. VR can train spatial cognition and attention to an object, and can also simultaneously train higher brain functions in people with cerebrovascular disorders. In this study, we investigated the brain activation state of people with cerebrovascular disorders when using a rehabilitation app. Based on the results, the characteristics of brain activity dynamics during VR use were examined. The subjects of the study were two people with cerebrovascular disorders (women in their 60s, returning to work, symptoms: right brain injury, left hemiparesis). Brain activity status was measured using NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) for Oxy-Hb, Deoxy-Hb, Total-Hb and StO2. Rehabilitation was performed using an app to train visual and cognitive functions, and before and after rehabilitation, a task to test attention function (TMT: Trail Making Test) was performed. Two devices were used: a tablet and VR. Oxy-Hb increased in most trials with the tablet device compared to the resting device, but decreased in half of the trials with the VR device compared to the resting device. Comparing tablet and VR, Oxy-Hb increased significantly for tablet (p>0.001), while Deoxy-Hb decreased significantly for VR (p>0.001) . In terms of StO2 results, both Tablet and VR conditions showed an increase in values compared to resting condition. During the TMT test, OxyHb and rSO2 after VR were significantly higher than those after Tablet use (p>0.05), suggesting that rehabilitation using VR may help maintain brain activation afterward.