Development of a 3D, networked multi-user virtual reality environment for home therapy after stroke.
Kristen M Triandafilou, Daria Tsoupikova, Alexander J Barry and 3 others
PMID 30290777WHAT IT FOUND
A 3D virtual reality system promoted arm movement comparable to standard exercises and was liked by participants, but they found it harder to understand and preferred simple home exercises.
The technology shows promise for engagement but needs easier controls before it can replace standard care.
Key findings
01The virtual reality system was not inferior to home exercises or other virtual reality in total arm displacement, time spent reaching away from the body, or hand elevation.
02Participants preferred the simple home exercise program over the virtual reality system for ease of understanding and likelihood of continuing it at home.
03Users reported high satisfaction with the virtual reality system's productivity and the motivation provided by having a virtual partner.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was a small pilot with only 15 participants, limiting the generalizability of the findings. All sessions took place in a laboratory with a study team member as the virtual partner, which does not fully reflect the home environment or the dynamics of playing with a family member. The home exercise program was a generic list of tasks rather than an individualized plan, which may have influenced preference for its simplicity. The virtual reality system required more cognitive effort to understand, particularly for the trajectory tracing exercise, which reduced its appeal compared to simpler therapies.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), a U.S. government agency. No commercial conflicts of interest are reported.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that virtual reality therapy is superior or ready for widespread home use. The study showed it was non-inferior to standard exercises for movement, but participants significantly preferred the simplicity of standard home exercises and found the virtual reality system harder to understand.