Virtual reality based intervention in rehabilitation: relationship between motor and cognitive abilities and performance within virtual environments for patients with stroke

The objective of this study was to provide experimental data to support a proposed model of VRbased intervention. More specifically our goal was to examine the relationships between cognitive and motor ability and performance within virtual environments. Thirteen participants who have had a stroke participated in the study. They each experienced three virtual environments (Birds & Balls, Soccer and Snowboard) delivered by the GXvideo capture system. After each environment they complete a scenario specific questionnaire and Borg’s scale for perceived exertion. Their cognitive, motor and sensory abilities were measured as well. The participants’ responses to the VR environments showed that they enjoyed the experience and felt high levels of presence. The results also revealed some moderate relationships between several cognitive abilities and VR performance. In contrast, the motor abilities and VR performance were inversely correlated. In addition, there was a relationship between presence and performance within the Soccer environment. Although these results support some components of the proposed model it appears that the dynamic nature of the virtual experiences would be more suited to comparisons with different measures of motor ability than those used in the current study.