Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41669034›Full record

ArticleJournal of orthopaedic case reports2026

Virtual reality rehabilitation to enhance functional recovery initiated from the acute phase following cervical cord injury: A case report.

Takeru Akabane, Tomoto Suzuki, Michiaki Takagi, Yuya Takakubo

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of orthopaedic case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Takeru AkabaneDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.
Tomoto SuzukiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.
Michiaki TakagiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.
Yuya TakakuboDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation has recently been introduced as an innovative rehabilitation technique combining interactive environments with intensive exercise training. This technology has demonstrated benefits in conditions such as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. However, evidence regarding the application in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. Early intervention with VR rehabilitation for SCI may promote spontaneous movement and assist recovery with minimal physical burden. We report a case of cervical cord injury in which VR rehabilitation using mediVR KAGURA® was initiated in the acute phase after injury and resulted in excellent recovery. Case Report: The patient was a 75-year-old male. He sustained a cervical cord injury following a bicycle accident (Frankel grade C1). X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging revealed instability at the C3/4 level and intramedullary signal changes in his cervical spine. He underwent posterior fixation surgery on the day of injury. Stabilization of his cervical spine was achieved, but he suffered from severe muscle weakness, sensory impairment, and marked trunk ataxia. VR rehabilitation using mediVR KAGURA® was started under the supervision of a physical therapist from 1 week postoperatively. The rehabilitation using mediVR KAGURA® was carried out 2-3 times/week, for 20-30 min/day. He performed the program in a sitting position, which encourages active use of the upper limbs and trunk, providing multisensory feedback. He achieved independent sitting within 1 week of starting rehabilitation using mediVR KAGURA® and was able to walk with a walker by the 2nd week. He achieved independence in activities of daily living by 4 months postoperatively, and he was discharged home. At 1 year postoperatively, he had slight residual numbness in the fingertips but lives without any limitations in daily activities. No adverse events occurred during the course of treatment. Conclusion: This case demonstrated that VR rehabilitation using mediVR KAGURA® could be performed safely and effectively in a patient with cervical cord injury. Early initiation of rehabilitation with mediVR KAGURA® may facilitate voluntary limb activity and enhance functional recovery.

Indexed as

mediVR KAGURA®rehabilitationsomato-cognitive coordination therapyspinal cord injuryVirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID41669034
PMCPMC12884316

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.