Application of Virtual Reality in Motor Retraining of Stroke Patients: A Narrative Review with Emphasis on Neuroimaging Findings

Background and Aims: Virtual reality (VR) has attracted much attention in clinical research as a new method for motor retraining in stroke patients. Given the importance of restoring motor and brain function in these patients, this review study evaluated the effect of virtual reality-based exercises on improving motor function and neurological changes in stroke patients. Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review in ۲۰۲۴, involving searches in valid databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Google Scholar search engine. Keywords including “Virtual Reality,” “Stroke,” “Neuroimaging,” and “Motor Rehabilitation” were examined in studies without time restrictions. In the initial search, ۲۹ articles were found, and after screening, ۱۴ articles were selected for further analysis. Results: Virtual reality (VR)-based motor exercises have a positive effect on motor retraining and improving motor function in stroke patients, especially in the acute and chronic phases. Neuroimaging data show that VR can increase brain activity in motor and sensory areas of the brain, including the primary motor cortex (M۱) and the frontal lobe. Using fMRI and EEG, it was shown that the exercises increased neural connectivity in motor networks and improved muscle coordination. In addition, the results showed a decrease in activation of unnecessary brain areas and improved efficiency of motor performance. Long-term effects of these exercises, including stabilization of neural changes, have also been reported. Conclusion: Virtual reality exercises can effectively help stroke patients improve movement and motor function. This method is not only useful in relearning movement, but also helps rebuild neural networks in the brain that have been damaged by stroke. However, more research is needed

کلیدواژه ها:

Virtual Reality ، Stroke ، Neuroimaging ، Motor Rehabilitation