Immersive Virtual Reality in Cognitive Rehabilitation of Patients With Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing immersive virtual reality (VR) in cognitive rehabilitation for adults with post-stroke cognitive impairment receiving outpatient therapy. Participants will use a head-mounted display and interactive software to engage in gamified cognitive exercises that simulate memory, attention, and executive function tasks. The intervention consists of 10 sessions, delivered two to three times per week over a period of approximately four weeks. The study will assess multiple feasibility indicators, including the recruitment rate based on eligibility criteria, the safety and tolerability of VR sessions for participants, and the usability and satisfaction reported by occupational therapists administering the intervention. Additionally, exploratory outcomes include changes in global cognition and specific cognitive domains, as well as self-reported quality of life. Adverse effects related to VR use will be tracked. This pilot study will help inform the design and implementation of future, larger-scale clinical trials.
• Patients over 18 years of age
• Patients with a cerebrovascular accident of any etiology with less than 3 months of progression
• Patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment post-stroke (impairment in at least one cognitive domain)
• MoCA score of less than 24 points
• Referred for cognitive rehabilitation at the Occupational Therapy Unit of HCUCH