scholarly journals Virtual reality telerehabilitation for spatial neglect post-stroke: perspectives from stroke survivors, carers and clinicians

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Morse ◽  
Laura Biggart ◽  
Valerie Pomeroy ◽  
Stéphanie Rossit
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
End User ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Cognitive Consequence ◽  
Level Of Experience ◽  
User Perspectives

AbstractSpatial neglect is a common and severe cognitive consequence of stroke, yet there is currently no effective rehabilitation tool. Virtual Reality (VR) telerehabilitation tools have the potential to provide multisensory and enjoyable neuropsychological therapies and remotely monitor adherence without the presence of a therapist at all times. Researchers and industry need to better understand end-user perspectives about these technologies to ensure these are acceptable and user-friendly and, ultimately, optimize adherence and efficacy. Therefore, this study aims to explore end-user perspectives on the use of self-administered VR telerehabilitation for spatial neglect to identify barriers and facilitators of use. We used a mixed-method design including focus groups, self-administered questionnaires and individual interviews with stroke survivors (N = 7), their carers (N = 3) and stroke clinicians (N = 6). End-user perspectives identified clarity of instructions, equipment (cost, available resources) and for some, level of experience with technology as barriers of use. Perceived facilitators of use were performance feedback, engagement and enjoyment, and psychological benefits associated by self-administered VR telerehabilitation. Overall, end-users were positive and interested in using VR telerehabilitation for spatial neglect. These perspectives enabled us to produce practical recommendations to inform development, enhance engagement and uptake of self-administered VR telerehabilitation and inform feasibility and usability studies.

A-134 Agile Development of Virtual Reality Treatment for Spatial Neglect: Preliminary Usability and Feasibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1185-1185
Author(s):  
Peii Chen ◽  
Denise Krch ◽  
Grigoriy Shekhtman
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Arm Movements ◽  
Head Movements ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Hand Tracking ◽  
Agile Development ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Rehabilitation Hospital ◽  
System Usability Scale

Abstract Objective Examine the usability and feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) treatment for persons with spatial neglect using head mounted display (HMD) and hand tracking technologies. Method Recruited from a rehabilitation hospital, 9 stroke survivors with spatial neglect (3 females; mean age = 64.2 years, SD = 9.1; 8 left neglect) participated in user testing for ongoing software development. Participants tested one of four customized treatment modules and completed the System Usability Scale, the Presence Questionnaire, and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Feedback from participants were integrated into iterative prototype revisions. Module 1 (n = 7) required arm movements gradually reaching toward the neglected side of space, while the virtual hand appeared reaching straight ahead. Module 2 (n = 4) required head movements from the non-neglected to the neglected side. Module 3 (n = 6) involved head and arm movements towards both sides of space to collect objects. Module 4 (n = 2) was to stop approaching objects from a distance ahead. Results Despite reporting a lack of realism, participants preferred VR over conventional therapy. Participants felt comfortable and confident engaging in the virtual environment. Module 4 was more difficult than the other modules as participants required more practice to perform the task. Two participants reported Module 3 being tiresome, with one reporting mild shoulder pain and eye strain, and moderate sweating. However, all reported symptoms were temporary and resolved following a short break. Conclusion VR-based rehabilitation for spatial neglect using HMD and hand tracking technologies may be a viable treatment option for stroke survivors with spatial neglect. The modules benefited substantively from modifications based on participants’ feedback.

The Use of Virtual Reality Tools for the Assessment of Executive Functions and Unilateral Spatial Neglect

2016 ◽  
pp. 115-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Alice Chicchi Giglioli ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Unilateral Spatial Neglect ◽  
Future Challenges

Virtual Reality is one of the most promising tools in the development of new methods for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Neuropsychological assessment is typically carried out by administering paper-and-pencil tests to patients. However, these tests have some limitations, due to the fact that they are not effectively able to evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. To cope with this void, neuropsychologists base their evaluation on their clinical experience, often successfully. Nevertheless, this is not an evidence-based practice, thus it is not considered optimal from a medical decision-making perspective. More recently, however, the increasing accessibility of advanced technology such as virtual reality has opened new possibilities for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Starting with this frame, the chapter explores the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation up to the most recent VR-based tools. In particular, we will present a VR-based PC tool for the assessment of executive functions, and a VR-based mobile tool for the assessment and rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect. In accordance with the literature, we show the potential for virtual reality, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and the possible future challenges.

Virtual Reality in Healthcare

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Dorota Kamińska ◽  
Grzegorz Zwolińsksi ◽  
Anna Laska-Leśniewicz ◽  
Luis Pinto Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
End User ◽  
Scenario Development ◽  
The Past ◽  
Technological Potential

Over the past few years, the rapid development of virtual reality has led to the technology finding its way into the professional sector in addition to the gaming market. It plays a particularly important role in medical applications by providing a virtual environment to enable therapy, rehabilitation, and serving as an educational platform. The chapter provides an overview of the applications of virtual reality in medicine about some of the most important areas. Both scenario development and application validation methods are presented, as well as their impact on the end user. Finally, the technological potential and future development of VR applications used for improving medical service delivery are summarized and briefly discussed.

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