Enhanced visual feedback using Immersive VR affects decision making regarding hand use with a simulated impaired limb

Sakabe, N., Altukhaim, S., Hayashi, Y. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9207-6322, Sakurada, T., Yano, S. and Kondo, T. (2021) Enhanced visual feedback using Immersive VR affects decision making regarding hand use with a simulated impaired limb. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15. 677578. ISSN 1662-5161 doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.677578

Abstract/Summary

The long-term effects of impairment have a negative impact on the quality of life of stroke patients in terms of not using the affected limb even after some recovery (i.e., learned non-use). Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has been introduced as a new approach for the treatment of stroke rehabilitation. We propose an IVR-based therapeutic approach to incorporate positive reinforcement components in motor coordination as opposed to constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of IVR-reinforced physical therapy that incorporates positive reinforcement components in motor coordination. To simulate affected upper limb function loss in patients, a wrist weight was attached to the dominant hand of participant. Participants were asked to choose their right or left hand to reach toward a randomly allocated target. Themovement of the virtual image of the upper limb was reinforced by visual feedback to participants, that is, the participants perceived their motor coordination as if their upper limb was moving to a greater degree than what was occurring in everyday life. We found that the use of the simulated affected limb was increased after the visual feedback enhancement intervention, and importantly, the effect was maintained even after gradual withdrawal of the visual amplification. The results suggest that positive reinforcement within the IVR could induce an effect on decision making in hand usage.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/99063
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences > Department of Bio-Engineering
Publisher	Frontiers
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