Neurofunctional correlates of a neurorehabilitation system based on eye movements in chronic stroke impairment levels: A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Rehabilitation after a stroke is widely considered fundamental to improve secondary functional impairments. Accessible methods based on motor learning, motor transfer and virtual environments are necessary to help to improve stroke patients’ quality of life. Objectives Continuing the line of our previous studies, this work investigated the effect of our new and innovative game‐based virtual reality training using the control of virtual objects with gaze in three chronic stroke survivors. Methods All participants performed an eye‐controlled virtual training task for 4 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐training evaluation were carried out with the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment for upper extremity scale as well as performing a tracking task inside an MRI scanner with a MRI‐compatible eye‐tracker or a joystick. Results Neural results for each participant show the increase of activity in the motor cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum for both effectors (hand or eye). Conclusion These promising results have a potential application as a new game‐based neurorehabilitation approach to enhance the motor activity of stroke patients.

Keywords

• eye movements
• fMRI
• neurorehabilitation
• stroke
• virtual training