Impact of immersive virtual reality and transcranial direct current stimulation over the parietal cortex on motor response.

Abstract

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) provides interactive and engaging environments to stimulate motor learning and neuroplasticity. Combining IVR with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may further enhance these effects by modulating activity in targeted brain areas. We investigated the effects of a 5-day IVR game-training (Beat Saber game for PS4) alone or combined with sham or anodal tDCS over the left posterior parietal cortex, a key structure for visuospatial processing and motor coordination. Seventy-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: IVR alone, IVR + anodal tDCS, or IVR + sham tDCS. Participants performed a battery of motor tasks requiring hand-eye coordination (Box and Blocks, Ruler Drop, Trail Making part A, and Plate Tapping tests) before and after training on days 1 and 5 to assess motor performance and transfer effects. Results showed progressive improvements in game performance from day 1 to 4 and significant motor transfer effects across all tasks, regardless of stimulation condition. tDCS did not further enhance motor outcomes, suggesting potential limitations related to stimulation site and/or parameters. Our findings highlight IVR's potential for motor skill development, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting its use as a versatile and accessible tool for motor learning, research, and rehabilitation. While tDCS did not enhance outcomes in this context, future research should explore alternative protocols to optimize its efficacy in IVR motor training.