Immersive virtual reality intervention to enhance cognitive-affective neuropsychological functions in post-COVID-19 condition: Research protocol and a case report.

OBJECTIVE

Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) includes persistent cognitive, affective, and physical symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study proposes a 6-week virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive intervention to improve cognitive-affective functions in individuals with PCC and presents initial results through a case report.

METHOD: A 46-year-old female with PCC completed a 6-week immersive VR-based cognitive intervention. Neuropsychological and psychological assessments occurred at baseline, after VR intervention (2-month follow-up), and at 5-month follow-up. The VR intervention included cognitive activities and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Immersion, presence, cybersickness and other aspects of the VR experience were systematically evaluated.

RESULTS

The patient showed improvements in attention, executive functions, processing speed and performance in VR cognitive games. Reductions in perceived cognitive deficits and depression, along with enhanced functional status, resilience, self-esteem and emotional flexibility, were observed. However, anxiety and life satisfaction exhibited unexpected trends. The participant reported high satisfaction with the VR intervention and no notable cybersickness symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to the limited literature on VR interventions for PCC, showcasing its potential in neuropsychological rehabilitation and proposing a possible rehabilitation protocol.