Table 2 Study rationale: therapeutic application and main study goal

Stroke rehabilitation

(i)

[25]

[30]

The effects of NIBS, VR and its combination on therapy for upper limb training in patients with subacute stroke. The effects of combining NIBS with VR-based motor skill training in patients with subacute stroke

(ii)

[31]

The effect of adding NIBS to VR therapy, for upper limb training in unilateral stroke

[29]

Whether combining NIBS with VR training could improve upper limb function in subacute stroke patients

[28]

The effects of adding NIBS to a VR-BCI therapy for motor recovery after stroke

[32]

The effects of adding NIBS in VR therapy to improve upper limb motor function after stroke

(iii)

[33]

The effects of NIBS-VR paradigm for upper limb rehabilitation in a stroke survivor with severe hemiparesis

Phobia and PTSD

(ii)

[34]

[35]

The effects on acute anxiety of adding NIBS to a VR experience for patients with spider phobia

The impact on emotion regulation of adding NIBS to a VR experience for patients with spider phobia

[36]

The use of NIBS during VR experience to reduce psychophysiological arousal and symptoms in veterans with PTSD

Cerebral palsy

(ii)

[37]

The effects of a single session of NIBS combined with VR training on functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy

[26]

The effects of a single session of NIBS combined with VR training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy

[38]

The effects of multiple sessions of NIBS combined with VR training on the balance of children with cerebral palsy

Neuropathic pain

(i)

[39]

The analgesic effect of using NIBS on the motor cortex, and VR techniques, applied isolated or combined

(iii)

[40]

The effects on pain relief of a NIBS-VR intervention, to improve neuropathic pain in patients with severe spinal cord injury

Multiple sclerosis

(ii)

[41]

The effects of VR combined NIBS on balance, fatigue, and quality of life in a patient with multiple sclerosis