Robot-assisted and Virtual Reality-based Neuromotor Rehabilitation: Evidence on Devices Experience of Use and Effectiveness

Background: Robot-assisted and virtual reality-based neuromotor rehabilitation have so far shown promising evidence in terms of motor recovery. Contextually, what has been scarcely addressed up to date are the technological devices experience of use and the related psychosocial impact. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the perception and the biopsychosocial effects of technology-based rehabilitation in patients with neuromotor diseases. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, pre-post intervention effects were explored in a group of patients undergoing conventional treatment (n=5) and a second group additionally participating in technology-based rehabilitation (n=7). Patients’ functional status (motor functionality, ADLs independence, risk of falls), cognitive functioning (attention and executive functions), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety, depression, and quality of life satisfaction were measured. At post-intervention, devices usability, experience of use and psychosocial impact were also assessed. Descriptive statistics and within-groups comparisons through non-parametric tests were performed. Findings: At follow-up, all patients improved in all the dimensions assessed. Notably, in technology-based rehabilitation group statistically significant changes and large effect sizes were estimated in ADLs independence (p=.018, r=.63), motor functionality (p=.028, r=.59), executive functions (p=.039, r=55), HRQoL in terms of physical state (p=.028, r=.59), anxiety (p=.043, r=.54), depression (p=.046, r=.53), and quality of life satisfaction regarding the mood (p=.018, r=.63) and the resistance to physical fatigue (p=.027, r=.59). Satisfactory results on technology perception and psychosocial impact were also found. Discussion: Despite the preliminary nature of the findings, promising evidence on the biopsychosocial impact of technology-based neuromotor rehabilitation emerged. Future research adopting consistent framework is strongly recommended.