Improving Cognitive Function after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Clinical Trial on the Potential Use of the Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality. (30th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Luca, Rosaria; Maggio, Maria Grazia; Maresca, Giuseppa; Latella, Desiree; Cannavò, Antonino; Sciarrone, Francesca; Lo Voi, Emanuele; Accorinti, Maria; Bramanti, Placido; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore
• Other Names: Kosmidis Mary H. Guest Editor.
• Is Part Of: Behavioural neurology. Volume 2019(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07-30
• Subjects: Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychiatry -- Periodicals; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/9268179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-4180

Abstract

Abstract : Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of long-term disability and death among young adults, and it represents an enormous socioeconomic and healthcare burden. Our purpose is to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality training with BTs-Nirvana (BTs-N) on the recovery of cognitive functions in TBI subjects, using the interactive semi-immersive program. One hundred patients with TBI were enrolled in this study and randomized into either the Traditional Cognitive Rehabilitation Group (TCRG:n = 50 ) or the Virtual Reality Training Group (VRTG:n = 50 ). The VRTG underwent a VRT with BTs-N, whereas the TCRG received a standard cognitive treatment. Each treatment session lasted 60 minutes and was repeated three times a week for 8 weeks. All of the patients were evaluated by a specific psychometric battery before (T0) and immediately (T1) after the end of the training. VRTG and TCRG had a significant improvement in cognitive functioning and in mood, but only VRTG presented with a significant increase in cognitive flexibility and shifting skills and in selective attention. In conclusion, our results suggest that VR may be a useful and effective approach for the rehabilitation of patients with TBI, leading to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes.