Effects of a 3D virtual reality neurofeedback scenario on user experience and performance in stroke patients

Abstract

Learning to control one’s own brain activity using neurofeedback can cause cognitive and behavioral improvements in healthy individuals and neurological patients. However, little is known about the impact of feedback design. Therefore, we investigated the effects of traditional two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual reality based feedback modules on training performance and user experience in stroke patients. Neurofeedback performance was comparable between conditions. Interest, perceived feeling of control, and motivation were higher in patients using the virtual reality application compared to the two-dimensional feedback condition. In contrary, patients who performed the virtual reality training showed higher values in incompetence fear and lower values in mastery confidence compared to the traditional training group. These results indicate that neurofeedback can be improved with the implementation of virtual reality scenarios, especially with regard to patients’ interest and motivation. However, stroke patients might be more skeptical concerning virtual reality technique and less self-confident in using it.