Real-time cortical activity during virtual reality practice in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot fNIRS study.

The study included only 14 people with MS and 14 controls, so it is a small pilot. It measured brain blood-oxygen signals during one session, not hand function, daily-task performance, pain, fatigue, or clinical improvement. All conditions were done in a fixed order, so fatigue or practice effects could affect later trials. The cap covered only motor and sensory areas, not prefrontal or cerebellar regions, so it could not assess broader cognitive-motor networks. Participants had moderate disability and could complete a peg test quickly, so findings may not apply to more impaired people. One cap size was used, which may have affected sensor placement and signal sensitivity. The paper does not state how many participants were included in each analysis after outlier removal.

Do not conclude that VR dishwashing is an effective rehabilitation treatment or that brain imaging findings should guide therapy. The study measured brain blood-oxygen signals during one session in 14 people with MS and did not test functional improvement, adherence, or patient outcomes.