Abstract Writing 7

Title: Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Training with BTs-Nirvana on Functional Recovery in Stroke Patients: Preliminary Findings

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is a common occurrence in post-stroke patients, and it can significantly affect their functional recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a virtual reality training (VRT) with BTs-Nirvana (BTsN) using the Interactive-Semi-Immersive Program (I-SIP) on cognitive function recovery in stroke patients.

Methods: This study enrolled 12 subjects who attended the Laboratory of Robotic and Cognitive Rehabilitation of IRCCS Neurolesi of Messina from January to June 2016, randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG underwent VRT with BTsN, while the CG received standard cognitive treatment. Both groups underwent the same conventional physiotherapy program. Each treatment session lasted 45 minutes and was repeated three times a week for 8 weeks. All patients were evaluated using a specific clinical-psychometric battery before (T0), immediately (T1), and one month (T2) after the end of the training.

Results: At T1, the EG showed significant improvements in trunk control test (p = 0.03), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (p = 0.01), selective attention assessment scores (p = 0.01), verbal memory (p = 0.03), and visuospatial and constructive abilities (p = 0.01) compared to the CG. Furthermore, the EG maintained these improvements at T2, while the CG did not show any significant differences compared to the baseline.

Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, VRT with I-SIP can be considered a useful complementary treatment to promote functional recovery in attention, visual-spatial deficits, and motor function in stroke patients. These results suggest that VRT may be a promising tool for cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients, and future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.

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