Neuro SIG: Virtual Reality, Real Change: Applying Therapeutic Virtual Reality using Motor Learning Principles to Drive Neuroplasticity

Virtual reality refers to a broad category of tools that can be used during physical therapy examination and intervention. Research supports the use of a customizable approach when applying virtual reality intervention to patient care, especially in adults with neurologic disorders. It is established that the human central nervous system has the capacity to reorganize itself in response to cognitive and motor function degradation; known as neuroplasticity. After neurologic injury, restoration of function can be optimized by harnessing the central nervous system’s capacity for neuroplasticity through motor learning techniques provided through rehabilitation. Established tenants of neuroplasticity give clinicians a framework, from-which to prescribe interventions, though current research is lacking the identification of specific parameters or guidelines to assess effectiveness of an intervention prescribed to improve neuroplasticity. In this education session, presenters will define therapeutic virtual reality, and review the clinical application of neuroplasticity principles and motor learning theories. This session will also analyze intervention prescription in neurologic rehabilitation through the lens of motor learning, and attempt to establish guidelines for the therapeutic application of virtual reality in neurologic rehabilitation.