Work

Progress in the application of virtual reality technology in the rehabilitation of patients with pusher syndrome after stroke

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pusher syndrome (PS) after stroke is a postural control disorder characterized by an abnormal perception of verticality, where patients persistently lean toward the hemiplegic side and resist postural correction, severely affecting balance function and rehabilitation progress. With its immersive, interactive, and programmable features, virtual reality (VR) technology offers new approaches for the rehabilitation of PS, including multisensory integration, real-time feedback, and personalized training. This article reviews the clinical features, pathological mechanisms, and rehabilitation challenges of PS, and systematically elaborates on the advantages of VR technology in correcting perceptual deviations, improving postural control, and enhancing treatment motivation and compliance through functions such as visual-postural recalibration, body schema reconstruction, and balance task training. Additionally, it analyzes the challenges faced by VR technology in clinical application, including hardware discomfort, insufficient standardization of protocols, uncertain cost-effectiveness, and limited evidence of long-term efficacy. Future research should focus on device optimization, protocol standardization, high-level evidence-based validation, and technology integration to promote the precise, personalized, and widespread application of VR in the rehabilitation of PS.

Source: Frontiers in Neurology

DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1769598

Authors: Junsheng Hao, Fuxian Lv, Haochong Song, Haoyang Duan

Institutions: First Hospital of Jilin University, Beijing Union University

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801