Various studies have proven the utility of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a complementary approach to conventional neurorehabilitation therapy for improving neuromuscular and cognitive outcomes in several neurological diseases. We hereby report findings from a single-case experience of a 21-year-old woman affected by juvenile Huntington’s disease (HD) who underwent a targeted rehabilitative approach using an advanced Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) with a three sessions/week schedule for six months. At the end of the program, a manifested improvement was noticed in the Falls Efficacy Scale International score, in the Tinetti Scale, in the Berg Balance score and in the lower limb strength (MRC scale). Minor although tangible improvements were also noticed in some physical performance tests (10 m walking test, time up and go test). Findings reported, although preliminary, extend for the first time the usefulness of neurorehabilitation using innovative VR technologies also to juvenile HD, a condition for which common rehabilitation strategies bring only marginal physical benefits in the majority of cases. Future, controlled studies are awaited for generalizing these observations to larger populations and for clarifying whether such benefits may persist also in the long-term.

Background: Informal caregivers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience high levels of psychological and physical stress, with limited access to supportive interventions and time constraints. Virtual Reality (VR) technologies may provide brief and accessible opportunities to support caregiver well-being, particularly during waiting periods in clinical settings. This pilot study aimed to explore the potential of a semi-immersive VR intervention to enhance psychological well-being in informal caregivers. Methods: This non-randomized pilot study investigated the effects of a semi-immersive VR-based physical training program (K-HERO^®) on psychological well-being and coping strategies in informal caregivers. Participants were recruited from January to May 2025 at the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo” (Messina, Italy), and the intervention was delivered individually in a dedicated room within the rehabilitation facility, while caregivers accompanied their relatives to treatment sessions. Ten caregivers completed six sessions (30–40 min each). The study was conducted in accordance with TREND reporting guidelines. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), COPE Inventory, Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Visual Analog Scales and instrumental data from the VR system were used to monitor physical performance and user experience. Non-parametric statistics were applied. Results: Significant reductions were observed in avoidance (p = 0.033) and social support-based (p = 0.023) coping strategies. Differences emerged based on caregiver-patient relationships: parental caregivers showed increased anxiety, while offspring caregivers showed improvements. The intervention was well tolerated, with high usability and no adverse events reported. Conclusions: A short, structured, VR-based intervention delivered during clinical waiting periods may effectively reduce maladaptive coping strategies and support emotional well-being in informal caregivers. These findings highlight the potential of brief digital interventions in real-world care contexts. Larger randomized studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and personalize interventions to different caregiver profiles.

Background and Objective: Fatigue represents a hallmark symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but its diagnosis and clinical evaluation is difficult because it is described as a subjective feeling of exhausted physical and mental sensation. Studies have also shown that approaches based on assisted therapies and robotics, as well as the use of vibration, which are used to improve sensory integration, reduce fatigue. The primary outcome in this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of focal vibrations on the reduction in fatigue, muscle strength, and endurance in MS patients with moderate disability. The secondary outcome is to assess the effects on quality of life, cognitive status, and mood. Methods: We enrolled 40 MS patients. The study was designed as a parallel randomized controlled trial: 20 patients were assigned to the experimental group (EG), who received vibration training, and 20 to the control group (CG), who received traditional physical exercise. Results: We found significant differences in the EG in fatigue, motor, and cognitive outcome and improvement of some aspects of quality of life (QoL). There are correlations between perceived multidimensional fatigue and cadence, step length, and health quality of life composite. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of vibration training in balance, walking endurance, and reduction in the risk of falls in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, we added evidence about fatigue, non-motor outcomes, in particular promoting mental and physical QoL and individual life satisfaction. The name of the registry is clinicaltrial.gov; the number of registration id NCT05783999; and the date of registration is 14 March 2023.