Brain Sciences (Jun 2024)

Effectiveness of the Use of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation in Children with Dyslexia: Follow-Up after One Year

  • Giuseppa Maresca,
  • Francesco Corallo,
  • Maria Cristina De Cola,
  • Caterina Formica,
  • Silvia Giliberto,
  • Giuseppe Rao,
  • Maria Felicita Crupi,
  • Angelo Quartarone,
  • Alessandra Pidalà

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070655
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 7
p. 655

Abstract

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Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that hinders reading fluency and comprehension. Traditional treatments can be tedious for children, limiting their effectiveness. This study investigated the one-year effects of rehabilitation treatment with a virtual reality rehabilitation system (VRRS) on children with dyslexia. Twenty-four children were divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. The CG underwent conventional neuropsychological treatment (CNT), while the EG underwent VR neurorehabilitation training (VRNT) using the VRRS. Neuropsychological evaluation was conducted before treatment, after six months, and again after one year for both groups. Compared to the control group, children who received VR training showed significant improvement in reading skills, especially in non-word reading and reading speed, even after one year without further VR intervention. VRRS can improve treatment adherence and minimize symptoms by offering engaging activities for children. These findings suggest VRRS may be a valuable tool for dyslexia rehabilitation with long-lasting effects.

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