The exploratory case study is one of the first to include audiovisual cues in a physiotherapy-based VR task to aid recovery. JMIR XR & Spatial Computing reported the findings. Traditional rehabilitation for these patients frequently involves repeated, therapist-led activities that can be physically taxing and demotivating for patients.
But this new approach has received positive feedback, with stroke patients describing the therapy as enjoyable and motivating.
The novel VR task was created in collaboration with physiotherapists and aims to engage patients with interactive hand-grasping exercises, using real-time visual and spatial audio cues to direct attention toward the neglected hemispace.
Our goal was to design a VR-based rehabilitation tool that is both engaging and adaptable, while keeping the physiotherapist central to the process. By combining audio and visual cues with physiotherapy practice, we explored how VR can encourage patients to direct their attention to the neglected side, while also providing a motivating experience.
Dr. Andrew Danso, Study Lead Author and Researcher, Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä
While promising, it is important to note that this is a very preliminary finding, with the study involving only two stroke patients with visuospatial neglect in 12 VR-assisted physiotherapy sessions.
Both patients had favorable experiences with VR training, characterizing it as enjoyable and distinct from traditional physiotherapy. The study reported increased walking and mobility confidence, while physiotherapy trainees described the system as safe, useful, and engaging.
Although only in its first stage, the study illustrates VR's potential as a patient-centered tool that can be tailored to specific rehabilitation requirements. Further studies at the University of Jyväskylä and other institutions will involve evaluating larger groups of patients and assessing the clinical impact of audiovisual cueing on rehabilitation results.
Journal Reference:
Danso, A. et.al. (2025) Development and User Experiences of a Novel Virtual Reality Task for Poststroke Visuospatial Neglect: Exploratory Case Study. JMIR XR & Spatial Computing. doi.org/10.2196/72439.