Immersive virtual reality and arm injury rehabilition in children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Immersive virtual reality and rehabilitation for upper limb injuries in children
IRAS ID
243763
Contact name
Ivan Phelan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Children with upper limb and hand injuries often have to undergo repetitive therapeutic exercises to regain or maximise function and movement which can be painful, uncomfortable and tedious, reducing compliance and limiting the movement and function achieved.
This project seeks to explore the feasibility, acceptability and perceived effectiveness of immersive distraction in a Virtual Reality (VR) 'game' in the rehabilitation of children with upper limb injuries, aged 7-16. There is a growing body of literature demonstrating effectiveness of VR in reducing pain (e.g. in burns). Its effectiveness in rehabilitation, especially in children, is a promising but under-researched area.
Following consultation with a user group of school aged children, observation of physical therapy and consultation with practitioners, the research team have developed an innovative, highly immersive interactive VR gaming environment for children, with varying levels of challenge for different age groups. The game has been designed to encourage the movements of hand and arm therapists ask children to perform during rehabilitation. The game is currently being tested with school children without injuries for acceptability, enjoyability and range of movement achieved.
The final clinical stage will investigate the perceived acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the VR games in the rehabilitation of at least ten children aged 7-16 with arm or hand injuries, whose treatment includes regular painful movement-enhancing exercises. Children will use the VR game for two 15 minute sessions during one physical therapy session with their usual practitioner, with support from the game expert on the team. Qualitative data will be collected through a short interview with the children and their parents after their session, and a focus group with rehabilitation clinicians. Questions will focus on perceived acceptability, practicality and effectiveness in reducing discomfort and facilitating movement. Data will then be analysed for themes.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0181
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion