Article

Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is gaining attention as a
way to promote early mobilization in patients with acute stroke. However, given
the motor weakness and cognitive impairment associated with acute stroke,
implementation strategies for overcoming patient-perceived difficulty need to be
developed to enhance their motivation for training.
The purpose of
this study was to explore patient-perceived difficulty and enjoyment during
VR-based rehabilitation and the factors affecting those experiences. DESIGN: An
exploratory mixed-method design was used in this study. METHODS: Eight
individuals with acute stroke participated in 2 training modes of VR-based
rehabilitation (ie, workout and game modes) 20 to 30 minutes per day for 5 to 8
sessions. A visual analog scale was used to assess patient-perceived difficulty
and enjoyment at every session. Then semistructured interviews were conducted to
explore the factors affecting those experiences. RESULTS: Levels of difficulty
and enjoyment varied depending on the training mode and participants' phases of
recovery. Five major factors were identified as affecting those varied
experiences: (1) ease of following the directions, (2) experience of pain, (3)
scores achieved, (4) novelty and immediate feedback, and (5) self-perceived
effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of difficulty and enjoyment during VR-based
rehabilitation differed depending on the phases of recovery and training mode.
Therefore, graded implementation strategies for VR-based rehabilitation are
necessary for overcoming patient-perceived difficulty and enhancing enjoyment.
Ease of following the directions might be best considered in the very early
stage, whereas multisensory feedback may be more necessary in the later stage.
Health professionals also should find a way for patients to avoid pain during
training. Feedback, such as knowledge of results and performance, should be used
appropriately.
CI - (c) 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS