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Go Virtual to Get Real: Virtual Reality as a Resource for Spinal Cord Treatment

Author

Listed:
  • Erik Leemhuis

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Body and Action Lab IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy)

  • Rita Maria Esposito

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Body and Action Lab IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy)

  • Luigi De Gennaro

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Body and Action Lab IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy)

  • Mariella Pazzaglia

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Body and Action Lab IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Increasingly, refined virtual reality (VR) techniques allow for the simultaneous and coherent stimulation of multiple sensory and motor domains. In some clinical interventions, such as those related to spinal cord injuries (SCIs), the impact of VR on people′s multisensory perception, movements, attitudes, and even modulations of socio-cognitive aspects of their behavior may influence every phase of their rehabilitation treatment, from the acute to chronic stages. This work describes the potential advantages of using first-person-perspective VR to treat SCIs and its implications for manipulating sensory-motor feedback to alter body signals. By situating a patient with SCI in a virtual environment, sensorial perceptions and motor intention can be enriched into a more coherent bodily experience that also promotes processes of neural regeneration and plasticity. In addition to the great potential of research, the most significant areas of interest concern is managing neuropathic pain, motor rehabilitation, and psychological well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Leemhuis & Rita Maria Esposito & Luigi De Gennaro & Mariella Pazzaglia, 2021. "Go Virtual to Get Real: Virtual Reality as a Resource for Spinal Cord Treatment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1819-:d:498687
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    Cited by:

    1. Hongqidi Li & Wenyi Dong & Zhimeng Wang & Nuo Chen & Jianping Wu & Guangxin Wang & Ting Jiang, 2021. "Effect of a Virtual Reality-Based Restorative Environment on the Emotional and Cognitive Recovery of Individuals with Mild-to-Moderate Anxiety and Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-30, August.

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