Feasibility and safety of immersive virtual reality training device (ReMind) in post-stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) offers promising stroke rehabilitation; however, challenges related to accessibility, and adaptability remain. ReMind is an indigenously developed, multilingual immersive VR rehabilitation system designed to support accessible and adaptable upper limb rehabilitation. This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and duration of independent use of the ReMind device during a single session of post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation. Thirty-one patients were enrolled from the neuro-physiotherapy Out Patient Department based on inclusion criteria (first-ever unilateral arterial stroke including ischaemic and haemorrhagic, in the subacute or chronic stage, age ≥ 18, Modified Ashworth Scale score ranging 0–3 (MAS), Montréal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) ≥ 18, ability to sit independently for ≥ 60 min). Outcome measures included the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), physiological measures (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation), and a patient feedback questionnaire. The procedure begins with movement calibration, followed by guided repetitive task training. The duration of independent device use for upper-limb retraining post-stroke, without physiotherapist assistance, was recorded. Pre- and post-session analysis of vital signs and SSQ showed no significant changes. Most participants reported a positive experience with the VR device—90.3% rated its comfort as “very good” (71%) or “good” (19.3%), and 93.6% rated the overall experience as “very good” (74.2%) or “good” (19.4%). Interest in daily use of VR therapy was reported by 87.1% of participants, while 90.3% reported no difficulties during the single 60-minute VR session. The device was considered safe by 93.5% of users, and participants independently used the device for an average of 54.45 min. The ReMind VR system was found to be a feasible, safe, and well-tolerated session for upper-extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients.