Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation for Motor Function Recovery in Post-Stroke Patients

Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation has emerged as a promising intervention for motor recovery in post-stroke patients, leveraging immersive, task-specific training to enhance neuroplasticity and functional outcomes. This review examines the key design principles of effective VR rehabilitation programs, including patient-centered customization, task-oriented training, multisensory feedback, gamification, and integration with conventional therapy. Clinical evidence demonstrates that VR significantly improves upper limb function, gait, balance, and cognitive engagement, with studies reporting superior adherence and motivation compared to traditional methods. However, challenges such as cost, accessibility, and cybersickness remain barriers to widespread adoption. Future directions include AI-driven adaptive VR, hybrid brain-computer interfaces, and telerehabilitation solutions to optimize personalized recovery. This synthesis highlights VR’s potential as a transformative tool in stroke rehabilitation while emphasizing the need for standardized protocols and further long-term efficacy research.