The Effects of Virtual Reality-based Training for the Treatment of Neglect Syndrome in Stroke: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and underlying recovery mechanisms of a virtual reality-based training program for the treatment of neglect syndrome in stroke patients in the chronic phase (more than three months after onset).

Neglect is a neurological condition characterized by a failure to attend to stimuli presented on the side contralateral to a brain lesion, despite preserved visual acuity and visual fields. Patients with neglect commonly exhibit impairments in activities of daily living, including dressing, eating, grooming, reading, and writing, and are prone to collisions with objects on the neglected side. This syndrome is widely acknowledged as a significant negative prognostic indicator for functional recovery following stroke.

Previous treatments for neglect syndrome have shown promising results. Pizzamiglio et al. reported the effectiveness of visuo-spatial scanning training, while Julkunen et al. confirmed improvement using computer-based therapy. Frascineti et al. demonstrated benefits from prism adaptation therapy, and Robertson et al. found that activating the left limbs helped reduce neglect symptoms. Additionally, Brighina et al. reported that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied to the unaffected cerebral hemisphere effectively alleviated neglect.

Recently, computer-based diagnostic tools have been developed to more accurately quantify and objectify neglect. Among them, Kim et al. developed a 3D VR program that can be applied regardless of the severity of motor impairment on the affected side. Virtual reality provides simulated, immersive environments that allow users to interact as if in real-world settings, enabling objective and quantitative assessment of neglect symptoms. In particular, visual fixation training within VR encourages spontaneous visual exploration and focused attention toward the affected side, which has been shown to be an effective strategy in reducing neglect in stroke patients.

Virtual reality-based training has been increasingly applied clinically abroad. For example, the University of California's Institute for Creative Technologies uses VR for treating PTSD in Iraq war veterans, and the VRMC in the U.S. applies it for phobia and stress treatments. In Switzerland, programs like Mind Motion Pro are used for neuroregeneration-focused rehabilitation, and Japan has developed mediVR for trunk balance training. Although research on neglect using VR is active, it generally requires active therapist involvement. Few studies have clearly demonstrated the efficacy of VR treatment specifically in stroke patients, and VR applications in rehabilitation medicine remain relatively limited compared to psychiatric fields.

In light of this background, our research team developed a virtual reality-based training program (NEGTREA) for the treatment of neglect syndrome in stroke. To evaluate its clinical feasibility, we conducted a targeted focus group interview with four out of five stroke patients with neglect who used the program. The study found that the VR-based neglect treatment was well tolerated without adverse effects and achieved high patient satisfaction, alongside improved assessment scores before and after program participation.

Conditions

• Stroke ( 3 Months After Onset)
• Cognitive Dysfunction ( MMSE < 24 )
• Unilateral Neglect Syndrome

Interventions

DEVICE

Virtual reality-based training for the treatment of neglect syndrom in stroke

An occupational therapist provided 1:1 assistance with fitting and removing the virtual reality headset (HMD), operating the software and explaining the procedures, as well as offering physical support and movement assistance when necessary to enable participants to engage in the virtual reality-based training program for neglect syndrome. Following measurement of each participant's interpupillary distance, the headset (HTC VIVE PRO) was adjusted and fitted while the participant was seated. The lens distance was fine-tuned using adjustment knobs to match the individual's eyes. The training for neglect was performed with participants seated and wearing the headset. The NEGTREA program provided a virtual environment along with visual fixation training.

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional occupational therapy

An occupational therapist conducted conventional neglect therapy in a 1:1 setting for 30 minutes per session. The therapy comprised therapist-supervised, table-top tasks carefully designed to parallel the virtual reality exercises as closely as possible. These table-top tasks primarily focused on promoting visual scanning and sustained attention toward the neglected hemifield through practical, goal-oriented activities such as object search and manipulation. The therapist utilized a variety of tools to facilitate and optimize patient engagement in these training.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yonsei University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

19 Years

Max Age

99 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-09-22

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• South Korea

Study Locations