What is the impact of user affect on motor learning in virtual environments after stroke? A scoping review.

The review did not assess whether the included studies were well done, so weak studies count the same as strong ones. The search covered CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PEDro, but not IEEE Xplore, so relevant technology studies may be missing. The authors assumed motor learning was the goal of the included VR/AVG stroke studies, even when studies may not have stated that. Because none of the included studies tested whether affective constructs were linked to motor learning, the proposed relationships have no weight. Many included studies were pilots, pre-post studies, or case reports or series, not definitive trials. The review did not separate commercial systems from customized rehabilitation systems, which may differ in cost, usability, and game design. Flow was mentioned in relation to motivation, enjoyment, engagement, and immersion, but it was not included as a construct.

The paper names funding from Centre Digitisation.Bavaria, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the Charles H. Hood Foundation. It does not give an author conflict-of-interest list in the supplied text.

Do not conclude that making virtual reality or active video gaming more fun, motivating, or immersive will improve motor learning after stroke. The review found no study tested whether these experiences were linked to motor learning.