Summary

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability, and around two thirds of stroke survivors continue to experience motor deficits in their arms and hands that are associated with diminished quality of life [Saposnik G et al. Stroke 2011]. The current paradigm in stroke rehabilitation involves repetitive, high-intensity, task-specific stimulation to improve motor recovery [Luft AR, Hanley DF. JAMA 2006; Kalra L, Ratan R. Stroke 2007]. However, only a few of the current techniques have effectively shown a significant improvement in arm function after stroke [Langhorne P et al. Lancet Neurol 2009]. There are many benefits of using virtual reality (VR) gaming technology in stroke rehabilitation and how VR may engage the brain reward system.