Clinical perceptions and feasibility analysis of a virtual reality game for Post-ACV rehabilitation

 Who gives a fuck about perceptions of PTs? Does it work?

Clinical perceptions and feasibility analysis of a virtual reality game for Post-ACV rehabilitation

•          Julian Felipe Villada Castillo Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2694-1429
• José Fernando López Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Colombia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7184-9840
• John Edison Muñoz University of Waterloo, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6161-9443
• Oscar Henao Gallo Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Colombia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6735-3458

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22430/22565337.3180

Summary

The increasing prevalence of stroke (ACV) has driven the search for innovative rehabilitation methods. Immersive virtual reality (RV), especially custom games, offers an interactive and motivating approach to adherence to therapy. The perception and acceptance of physiotherapists(Survivors don't fucking care about your perceptions! Does it work?) are crucial to their implementation and require further research. The objective of this research was to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of a personalized virtual reality game called Motion Health VR for post-CVA rehabilitation. The methodology used was to use three strategies to collect subjective data. First, a multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to 73 doctors and physiothers during the ISPRM 2023 (International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) Conference to obtain quantitative data on the usefulness and viability of Motion Health VR. Then, a discussion group was conducted with 4 physiotherapists to obtain qualitative information about the usability, accessibility and profitability of the game. A feasibility and cost-effectiveness analysis was then conducted to assess the potential long-term benefits and financial implications of the implementation of Motion Health VR in Colombia. The results obtained were a wide acceptance of VR as a complementary tool in post-ACV rehabilitation and the recognition of personalized games as motivators for patient participation. Physiotherapists highlighted their playability and immersion, although they pointed to limitations related to the patient's costs and spasticity. The analysis indicated that initial, while significant costs, can be justified by long-term savings and better outcomes for patients. Finally, it is concluded that Motion Health VR showed significant potential to complement post-ACV rehabilitation, and is well received by physiotherapists. Key challenges include improving access, reducing costs and providing VR training to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.