Article

Interventions using virtual feedback (VF) impact on motor functions
and pain and may be relevant for neurorehabilitation after spinal cord injury
(SCI) in which motor dysfunctions and (concomitant) pain are frequently observed.
Potential mechanisms underlying VF include a modulation of cortical sensorimotor
integration, increased therapy engagement and distraction from effort and pain.
Still, the optimal parameters for VF and their technical implementation are
currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of interventions that have
used VF to improve motor functions or to reduce pain after SCI. METHODS:
Literature review. RESULTS: A total number of 17 studies were identified. VF
interventions commonly focused on improving motor functions (n=12) or reducing
pain (n=4). Only one study assessed both motor functions and pain. Studies
generally report beneficial effects. However, the evidence is of low-level
quality and many practical as well as theoretical issues remain unclear.
Remaining knowledge gaps include: (1) optimal VF system characteristics, (2) the
impact of different VF modalities and tasks, (3) dose-response relationships and
(4) the identification of patients that are likely to benefit from VF. Future
work should start by closing these knowledge gaps using systematic and controlled
multi-session interventions and by assessing the underlying mechanisms involved.
CONCLUSION: These results provide an important incentive to further assess the
potential of VF interventions to simultaneously improve motor functions and
reduce pain after SCI, which could contribute to better neurorehabilitation
outcomes after SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS