Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using art therapy and technology to help brain injury recovery
By Albani-Rocchetti M et al.·2026·IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Italy·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Integrating art therapy and technology in neurorehabilitation: a scoping review.
Plain-English summary
This study looks at how art therapy, combined with technology like virtual reality and interactive games, can help people recovering from neurological conditions. Researchers reviewed 19 studies that included various forms of art therapy, such as dance and music, and found that these methods could improve movement, attention, emotional health, and overall engagement in therapy. However, many of the studies were small and varied in how they were conducted, which means more research is needed to confirm these benefits. Overall, technology-enhanced art therapy seems promising for helping with recovery, but further high-quality studies are necessary to better understand its effectiveness.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Art therapy is emerging as a promising adjunct to neurorehabilitation, giving creative engagement to improve motor, cognitive, and emotional outcomes. Digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), exergames, and sensor-based systems enable immersive and interactive therapeutic experiences, potentially enhancing rehabilitation effectiveness. This scoping review systematically evaluates the impact of technology-assisted art therapy on neurological rehabilitation and to identify effective intervention types.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines. Studies were included if they involved adults with neurological conditions receiving technology-supported art therapy and reported motor, cognitive, or emotional outcomes.<h4>Results</h4>Of 584 records screened, 19 studies were included. Interventions comprised dance therapy, music therapy, and visual art therapy supported by VR platforms, tablet-based applications, serious games, and motion-tracking systems. Reported benefits included improvements in motor function, attention and executive function, emotional well-being, and therapy engagement. However, most studies were small-scale, with heterogeneous methodologies and limited follow-up periods.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Technology-enhanced art therapy appears to be a promising approach in neurorehabilitation, offering personalized, engaging, and potentially effective interventions. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized outcome measures are needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical application.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41704891