Patients´ experience of training using virtual reality (VR) for balance and upper limb training after stroke. An interview study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to improve our knowledge of how patients recovering after a stroke experienced training in a virtual room using VR, and whether this contributes to increasing their motivation for exercise. Methods: The project aimed to improve the quality of treatments given at Førde Central Hospital. VR was combined with conventional physiotherapy training. Eight patients were interviewed at the end of their VR training period based on a semi-structured interview guide. A stepwise-deductive inductive method was used to analyze the data material. Findings: All patients experienced VR training to be exhilarating, motivating and helpful. Four themes summarise the participants’ experience: 1) Information and training: Difficult to describe, must be experienced, 2) The experience: removed from time and illness, 3) Benefits: motivated by competition and perceived progress – “I got more”, 4) Improvements: Technical challenges, simpler user interface and variety. Conclusion: Motivation is affected by the immersing experience and feeling of losing a sense of time and place. Patients are able to observe their own progress during VR training that also increases their motivation.

Keywords

• physical therapy modalities
• virtual reality
• stroke
• interview
• motor function