Immersive virtual reality enhanced reinforcement induced physical therapy (EVEREST)

BackgroundMotor impairment of the upper limb (UL) post-stroke is prevalent, adversely affecting patients’ quality of life. Previous research has shown that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is effective in UL rehabilitation. However, CIMT’s rigorous regimen may hinder patient adherence, potentially affecting treatment efficacy. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is an innovative approach for stroke rehabilitation. It utilizes VR technology to create dynamic environments and modify avatars efficiently, offering a less exhausting alternative to CIMT. We propose an IVR-based therapeutic approach that integrates positive reinforcement components to enhance motor coordination, offering an alternative to CIMT. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating positive reinforcement components into IVR-enhanced physical therapy (PT) on motor coordination.