Computer-Based Neuropsychological Rehabilitation: Virtual Reality and Serious Games

Introduction

Neurocognitive rehabilitation of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) is a part of neuropsychological rehabilitation that has gained increased interest in response to the growing incidence of this type of injury and to the possibility of post-injury survival, often associated with physical and cognitive deficits, as well as emotional and behavioral changes. These problems call for the need of innovative interventions that can overcome the limitations of traditional approaches to ABI. The recent developments in Information Communication Technology (ICT), such as e-Health and Telemedicine, offer promising solutions, contributing new ways to deliver services. Registering a recent significant growth, the use of Serious Games (SG) and of immersive technologies in the field of rehabilitation provides the opportunity to develop new products that are computer-based and that can be used at a distance in assessment and neurocognitive rehabilitation practices, increasing the ecological validity of the instruments in this area. However, while presenting new possibilities, these technologies also involve new challenges. The investigation of the applicability and effectiveness of these products is thus crucial. The objectives of the present work are (1) to present the definition and main characteristics of SG and Virtual Reality (VR), (2) to discuss implications of their use in the rehabilitation of ABI patients, (3) to discuss the importance of systematic research on the effects of SG and VR, particularly in terms of patient behavior and cognitive functioning, and (4) to present paradigms that can be used to assess different cognitive functions and behavior.