Comparing Rehabilitation Protocols Using Immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality Platforms in Complex mTBI Patients (iVR/AR Rehab)

Most video game research has centered around the negative effects of game play.  Recent research revealed that video game play is not as detrimental as how it is often portrayed in the media, with neurocognitive benefits being reported across numerous populations and age groups following action game play.  However, little to no research has examined the effects of more advanced and immersive technologies, such as mixed or augmented reality (AR) platforms.  AR technology platforms differ from traditional video game play, in that it creates a hybrid blend of the virtual and the real world within the player’s visual field.  The current study explored the effects of eight hours of AR game play in a nonclinical, neurotypical sample.  Pre- and post-intervention neurocognitive and balance comparisons revealed that the AR game training yielded significant reaction time improvements and vestibular performances following training.

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