Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Serious Games
Date Submitted: Jan 15, 2022
Date Accepted: Aug 11, 2022
Design, development, and testing of a virtual reality device for upper limb training in people with multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common nontraumatic, neurological, disabling disease that often presents with upper limb dysfunction. Exercise training has resulted in improvement for patients however there can be a lack of compliance due to access because of location and lack of MS experts. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising technology that can offer exercise therapy/rehabilitation at a distance. This type of remote training can be motivational and effective for patients with MS and improve range of motion and muscle strength for those with upper limb dysfunction.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the combination of the XRHealth software and the Oculus Rift Station for MS patients with upper limb motor dysfunction.
Methods:
A single-center, prospective, feasibility study was conducted in patients with MS who had upper limb motor dysfunction. Patients participated in a single 45-minute digital environment session with VR and completed a questionnaire about the quality of the training and fatigability. The clinician also completed a questionnaire to evaluate the suitability and safety of the training.
Results:
Overall 30 patients were enrolled between the ages of 20-81. Patients reported that the training sessions within the digital environment were helpful, challenging, fun, simple to understand, and that they would be willing to repeat again. The physical therapist that oversaw the patients reported that the training was suitable for 86.67% of patients. Anticipated adverse events (AEs) were fatigability, temporary dizziness, and temporary nausea. Operator complications included that the cable of the head-mounted display interrupted the training (6.67%) and fatigue that caused cessation of the VR training session (6.67%). No serious AEs were reported.
Conclusions:
These preliminary results demonstrated that the use of the XRHealth software and Oculus Rift Station platform is feasible, safe, and engaging for patients and has the potential to improve functionality of the upper limbs in patients with MS. This study provides support for future studies of implementing a series of training sessions within a digital environment in a home-based environment.
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