Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Jul 25, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 26, 2025
Home-based non-immersive virtual reality training after discharge from inpatient or outpatient stroke rehabilitation: A parallel randomized feasibility trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Non-immersive virtual reality training (NIVRT) can be used to continue rehabilitative exercise at home after discharge from hospital.
Objective:
To assess the feasibility of using home-based NIVRT as telerehabilitation with patients post-stroke, and its potential to improve standing function and gait.
Methods:
Patients approaching discharge from stroke rehabilitation were randomly allocated to NIVRT or iPad interventions. NIVRT provided interactive games and exercises, designed to improve balance, stepping and aerobic capacity. iPad apps addressed cognition and fine motor skills. Participants were visited in their homes by a physiotherapist, taught how to use the program, and asked to do 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Feasibility was assessed by measuring recruitment, adherence, ability to set up and learn NIVRT, enjoyment, intent to continue, perception of impact and safety. Participants completed assessments of balance, gait, etc. before and after the intervention by a blinded assessor.
Results:
NIVRT participants (n=11, 10 males, age 64+/-12) did an average of 26 sessions (total 700 minutes) while iPad participants (n=9, 6 males, age 61+/-20) did an average of 33 sessions (total 1241 minutes). Space to do NIVRT was tight in 5 homes. All but 1 participant learned NIVRT and progressed. Most enjoyed it and felt that it improved their recovery. There were no serious adverse events. Most assessments showed improvement over time for both groups.
Conclusions:
Home-based NIVRT is safe and feasible to continue rehabilitative exercise after discharge. More research on efficacy and effectiveness should be done. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03261713
Citation
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