Motor Learning Principles in Virtual Rehabilitation for Stroke

This scoping review aims to identify the extent to which motor learning principles are incorporated into VR-based interventions targeting upper limb, gait or balance in stroke survivors. Following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and adaptations by Levac et al., we will perform a literature search using key words and subject headings related to ‘virtual reality’, ‘serious games’ or ‘exergames’, ‘rehabilitation’ and ‘stroke’ in the following databases: Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycBITE (Psychological Database for Brain Impairment Treatment Efficacy), OTseeker and COMPENDEX. Two team members will review title and abstracts and then full-texts to confirm eligibility. Data will be extracted on author/date, study design, participants, sample size, virtual rehabilitation system, level of immersion, level of realism, delivery method, repetition, intensity, salience, difficulty progression, type of practice, type of feedback, feedback delivery schedule, motivation, perceived exertion, adverse events, outcome measures used to assess upper limb function, gait or balance, assessment of retention and assessment of transfer of skills.