Abstract
Introduction
The cost of stroke is significant; unilateral motor impairments are experienced by 50% of chronic stroke survivors, and delivering long-term rehabilitation remains an ongoing challenge. Thus, there is a need to provide accessible therapy, that can be undertaken independently.
The project aims to address this need by developing a novel Virtual Reality (VR) intervention for Upper Limb (UL) rehabilitation. The VR program combines virtual musical instruments with Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT).
Objectives
The project objectives are two-fold, centred around improving stroke-specific quality of life: (1) create a therapy modality that is engaging, affordable, and enjoyable, and (2) facilitate musical creation in a population that is typically unable to access conventional musical instruments due to UL impairments.
Materials & Methods
A 12-week in-home Single Case Experimental Design pilot trial with 30 participants is scheduled for June 2024. Prior to the pilot trial, the VR application will undergo two rounds of co-design with two populations: stroke survivors and professionals (clinical). The feedback is expected to increase participant engagement and UL outcomes.
The pilot trial will be delivered via the Meta Quest 3 VR headset and use an Axivity AX6 activity monitor to quantify changes in affected arm use during the intervention.
The test battery includes the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery for Upper Extremity, Stroke Impact Scale, and Profile of Mood States.
Results
An initial prototype has been developed which focuses on musical exploration and sound production based on therapeutic movements. Preliminary co-design feedback indicates that a single, exploratory VRMT session improved movement and positively increased sensation on the affected side (self-reported).
Conclusion
VR shows significant rehabilitative promise, and the upcoming pilot trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of this novel music-based VRMT.
The cost of stroke is significant; unilateral motor impairments are experienced by 50% of chronic stroke survivors, and delivering long-term rehabilitation remains an ongoing challenge. Thus, there is a need to provide accessible therapy, that can be undertaken independently.
The project aims to address this need by developing a novel Virtual Reality (VR) intervention for Upper Limb (UL) rehabilitation. The VR program combines virtual musical instruments with Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT).
Objectives
The project objectives are two-fold, centred around improving stroke-specific quality of life: (1) create a therapy modality that is engaging, affordable, and enjoyable, and (2) facilitate musical creation in a population that is typically unable to access conventional musical instruments due to UL impairments.
Materials & Methods
A 12-week in-home Single Case Experimental Design pilot trial with 30 participants is scheduled for June 2024. Prior to the pilot trial, the VR application will undergo two rounds of co-design with two populations: stroke survivors and professionals (clinical). The feedback is expected to increase participant engagement and UL outcomes.
The pilot trial will be delivered via the Meta Quest 3 VR headset and use an Axivity AX6 activity monitor to quantify changes in affected arm use during the intervention.
The test battery includes the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery for Upper Extremity, Stroke Impact Scale, and Profile of Mood States.
Results
An initial prototype has been developed which focuses on musical exploration and sound production based on therapeutic movements. Preliminary co-design feedback indicates that a single, exploratory VRMT session improved movement and positively increased sensation on the affected side (self-reported).
Conclusion
VR shows significant rehabilitative promise, and the upcoming pilot trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of this novel music-based VRMT.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | 13th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation - Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada Duration: 22 May 2024 → 25 May 2024 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm/events/16699 |
Conference
| Conference | 13th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | WCNR 2024 |
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Vancouver |
| Period | 22/05/24 → 25/05/24 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Stroke
- Rehabilitation
- Mirror Therapy
- Co-Design
- Biomedical Engineering
- Assistive Technology
- Virtual Reality
- Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)
- Music
- Stroke Rehabilitation
