Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41958443›Full record

ArticleAnnals of clinical and translational neurology2026

Comparing the Effect of Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality, Computerized Cognitive Training, and Traditional Rehabilitation on Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Maria Grazia Maggio, Desiree Latella, Lilla Bonanno, Paulo Cezar Rocha Dos Santos, Marcos Maldonado-Díaz, Meir Plotnik, Rosaria De Luca, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Annals of clinical and translational neurology, 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

9 authors.

Maria Grazia MaggioIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy.
Desiree LatellaIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1812-8454
Lilla BonannoIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0282-405X
Paulo Cezar Rocha Dos SantosIDOR/Pioneer Science Initiative, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Marcos Maldonado-DíazPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
Meir PlotnikCenter of Advanced Technologies in Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2637-3457
Rosaria De LucaIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy.
Angelo QuartaroneIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy.
Rocco Salvatore CalabròIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy.

Funding

Ministero della Salute
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), negatively affecting autonomy and Quality of Life (QoL). Innovative rehabilitation strategies, such as semi-immersive virtual reality (VR) and computerized cognitive training (CCT), may offer advantages over traditional cognitive rehabilitation (TCR), particularly in terms of engagement, specificity, adaptability, and ecological validity. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of semi-immersive VR, CCT using the ERICA platform, and TCR on cognitive outcomes and depressive/anxiety symptoms in individuals with MS.

methodsEighty-seven patients with MS and mild to moderate cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to three groups: VR-based training, CCT, or TCR. Each group underwent 24 individual sessions delivered regularly three times per week over 8 weeks. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1), evaluating information processing speed (SDMT), memory (SRT, SPART), executive functions (WLG), emotional status (BDI, HRS-A), and QoL (MSQOL-54).

resultsAll groups showed significant improvements in most cognitive and depressive (BDI)/anxiety symptoms (HRS-A) after the intervention. However, the VR group demonstrated significantly greater gains in executive functions, working memory, and QoL (MSQOL-54 Physical and Mental Composite scores) compared to both the CCT and TCR groups (p < 0.001). While the CCT group showed selective improvements in mood and working memory, its overall efficacy did not significantly differ from that of TCR.

conclusionsSemi-immersive VR represents an effective and engaging approach to cognitive rehabilitation in MS, likely due to its capacity to deliver multisensory, adaptive, and ecologically valid stimulation. Nonetheless, a tailored hybrid model integrating VR with conventional and computer-based strategies may further optimize outcomes and support functional independence in individuals with MS.

Indexed as

cognitive rehabilitationcomputer‐based trainingmultiple sclerosisneurorehabilitationvirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID41958443
PMCPMC13394673

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

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.