Using Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation of Upper Limbs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation of Upper Limbs
IRAS ID
274257
Contact name
Ivan Phelan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
This project builds upon a previous MRC 'Confidence in Concept' feasibility project which developed Virtual Reality (VR) games for participants at Sheffield Children's Hospital to do arm rehabilitation movements such that they become so engrossed in the VR they become much less aware of any pain or discomfort linked to the exercises.
This project aims to demonstrate the concept of using VR for rehabilitation is beneficial as a home rehabilitation tool for both children and adults undergoing rehabilitation for the upper limb. The VR games have been enhanced to include more levels for adults. The new aspects to be tested in this study are new VR exercises that would be made for hand and finger rehab designed for both children and adults for home use, as repeated sessions with progression through different levels could improve the prospect of good functional recovery. A new wireless headset has recently become available, which will enable the VR to be run without the need for separate equipment, thereby making home use possible as no complicated set-up will be required.
Patients (and carer where appropriate) would be involved in the design of the scenarios, the protocol, patient information sheets, and the project steering group. Research nurses will download anonymised usage data from the VR headset used at home and interview participants. All data will feed into an evaluation which will demonstrate the concept and acceptability of using VR in clinics and at home.
The evaluation will be used to develop a follow-on funding application to NIHR's i4i programme for a definitive study and develop the software system to be classified as a class one medical device, meaning it can be used in a variety of healthcare settings, including the NHS.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0508
Date of REC Opinion
6 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion