Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality With Multisensory Stimulation on the Functional Impact of Hemineglect Secondary to a Right-Sided Stroke: A Single Case Experimental Design Study

What this Trial Is About

Stroke is a common and serious condition, affecting many individuals each year and often leading to cognitive impairments such as hemineglect. Hemineglect causes difficulty responding to stimuli on one side, typically after a right hemisphere stroke, and often persists long-term, impacting daily function and rehabilitation outcomes. This research explores the use of immersive virtual reality combined with multisensory stimulation to reduce the functional effects of hemineglect in adults who have experienced a right-sided stroke within the past three months. The study involves a pilot design with repeated evaluation and rehabilitation sessions conducted in a hospital setting. Participants will undergo weekly assessments for 10 to 12 weeks using the Catherine Bergego Scale to measure how hemineglect affects autonomy. After an initial evaluation phase lasting 3 to 5 weeks, patients will receive three weekly 45-minute rehabilitation sessions over five weeks, including a 15-minute immersive virtual reality experience using the VirtySensae multisensory travel capsule. This capsule stimulates four senses simultaneously through visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile inputs. During the study, participants will attend weekly evaluation sessions led by occupational therapists who will assess the impact of hemineglect and monitor tolerance to virtual reality. Rehabilitation sessions include review and explanation components, with a focus on patient comfort and response to the virtual reality treatment. The study aims to measure changes in autonomy, awareness of hemineglect, and the ability to tolerate the immersive environment over the 12-week period.

Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality With Multisensory Stimulation on the Functional Impact of Hemineglect Secondary to a Right-Sided Stroke