The role of virtual reality and biomechanical technologies in stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a spectrum of virtual reality and biomechanical technologies that can be potentially used in supporting the rehabilitation of people after stroke, in both clinical and home conditions. The methodology was based on a systematic review of up-to-date, published research works available in Elsevier Science Direct database including peer-reviewed journal articles. As a result, trends, possible promising solutions and gaps in the area of innovative rehabilitation tools for post-stroke patients were recognized and discussed. Particularly, the new knowledge and good practices focused on the applicability of biomechanical systems and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in stroke treatment were searched, which is the subject of an educational and international Erasmus+ project entitled “Development of innovative training contents based on the applicability of virtual reality in the field of stroke rehabilitation- Brain4Train”. The training content, which is one of the project outcomes, will be provided to all interested professionals engaged in post-stroke patients’ rehabilitation, in order to make them capable to develop customized rehabilitation programs based on techno-innovative rehabilitation models.