Efficacy of immersive virtual reality-based self-managed naming therapy for chronic post-stroke aphasia: A randomized controlled trial

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immersive virtual reality-based naming therapy in individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia. Design Randomized, single-blind, parallel-group, and controlled trial. Setting Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital. Participants A total of 102 individuals with non-fluent aphasia (aged 40–80 years), randomly assigned to two groups ( n = 51 each). Interventions The virtual reality group received virtual reality-based self-managed naming therapy in an immersive environment, while the control group received conventional therapy. Both interventions were delivered 5 times per week over 8 weeks. Outcome measures The primary outcome was language performance, measured by the Gulhane Aphasia Test. Secondary outcomes included Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale and enjoyment. Results At baseline, groups were similar in demographics and clinical measures ( p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in the Gulhane Aphasia Test and Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale scores ( p < 0.05). The virtual reality group improved across all Gulhane Aphasia Test subscales ( p < 0.05). In contrast, the control group did not show gains in listening comprehension and repetition. Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life subscale improvements were broader in the virtual reality group. Between-group comparisons indicated significantly higher gains in the virtual reality group in oral motor ( p = 0.005), naming ( p = 0.001), and enjoyment ( p = 0.002). Conclusions Therapy based on immersive virtual reality showed better results for naming, quality of life, and patient engagement. These findings suggest that virtual reality is an effective intervention for aphasia rehabilitation. Future studies are needed to investigate long-term effects and the potential for home-based applications.