Effectiveness of virtual mobility on neuroplasticity and functional ability in individuals with spinal cord injury

People who have experienced a spinal cord injury show sensory and/or motor impairments that lead to an alteration in their functionality and thus in their ability to perform daily life activities. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mirror neuron stimulation by means of a virtual mobility treatment (comparing it with interventions combined with specific physical exercise) on neuroplasticity and, therefore, on variables related to functional ability, in people with incomplete spinal cord injury.

Acronym

MoVirFun

Reference code

215/2022

Description

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mirror neuron stimulation by means of a virtual mobility treatment (comparing it with interventions combined with specific physical exercise) on neuroplasticity and, therefore, on variables related to functional ability, in people with incomplete spinal cord injury.

Given that the location of the cortical representation of the limbs differs depending on whether they are upper or lower limbs, the project proposal is divided into two studies: the first focused on the intervention of the lower limbs to improve gait, and the second on the intervention only of the upper limbs to check its impact on instrumental functional daily life activities. Therefore, although they share the main objective, the specific goals of this project, as well as the methodology, will be divided into a study 1 and a study 2.

Study 1. Specific goals

The aim is to find out the impact of virtual gait therapy on:

The speed and quality of real-world gait (i.e., dynamic balance and energy consumption).
Functionality during gait and static postural control.
Isometric strength of lower limbs.
Muscle activation.
Muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity of leg muscles.
Neuropathic pain and sensitivity.
BDNF concentration in plasma.

Study 2. Specific goals

The impact of virtual upper limb functional mobility therapy will be analysed:

Functional ability of the arms and hands.
Strength of the upper limb.
Fine motor skills of the hand.
Muscle activation.
Muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity of the arm muscles.
Neuropathic pain and sensitivity.
BDNF concentration in plasma.

To this end, two specific virtual functional mobility therapeutic interventions are designed, one focused on lower limb recovery and the other on upper limb recovery, in order to determine their impact on the functionality of the lower and upper limbs, respectively. Therefore, as mentioned in the ‘Introduction’ section, this project is organised into two studies, both randomised clinical trials.

Study 1 will involve four groups which will be randomly assigned to a type of lower limb intervention: i. Virtual Gait (VM) and Therapeutic Exercise (TE) programme, ii. VM placebo and TE, iii. VM and iv. VM placebo.

Marcha virtual

Study 2 will involve four groups which will be randomly assigned to a type of upper limb intervention: i. Virtual Arm Mobility (VAM) and Therapeutic Exercise (TE) programme, ii. VAM and TE placebo, iii. VAM and iv. VAM placebo.

Ejercicios de manos virtual