Virtual reality and serious games to rehabilitate patients after stroke – A cognitive-motor approach.

After a stroke, most patients will suffer from motor and cognitive impairments leading to a reduced quality of life. In this context, rehabilitation is expected to be early, intense, progressive and functional. However, most patients do not meet the recommended level of activity and some do not even have access to rehabilitation cares. Moreover, healthcare systems are often limited. To answer these needs, development of new technologies such as virtual reality and serious games have significantly increased these last decades. Several meta-analyses have demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual reality-based programs to rehabilitate motor and cognitive functions after stroke. However, we recommend that virtual serious games be developed based on neuro-rehabilitation principles (as described by Maier et al). More recently, studies involving gamified multi-player approaches demonstrated positive results regarding rehabilitation outcomes although, up to now, little is known regarding the most effective interaction mode (co-active, collaborative, competitive). Lastly, virtual reality is also an excellent mean to assess patients and provide self-/tele-rehabilitation for those who may not otherwise have this opportunity. Different studies have shown that these programs and conventional therapy were equally effective to rehabilitate post-stroke motor function and activity. In conclusion, virtual reality and serious games, are promising and effective rehabilitation means that are complementary to conventional therapy programs