Clinical Perceptions and Feasibility Analysis of a Virtual Reality Game for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

The increasing prevalence of strokes has led to the search for innovative rehabilitation methods. Immersive virtual reality (VR), especially personalized games, offers an interactive and motivating approach to therapy adherence. The perception and acceptance of physiotherapists are crucial to its implementation and require further investigation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of physiotherapists regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of a personalized VR game called Motion Health VR for post-stroke rehabilitation. The methodology employed consisted of using three strategies to collect subjective data. First, a multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to 73 physicians and physiatrists during the ISPRM 2023 Conference (International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine) to collect quantitative data on the utility and feasibility of Motion Health VR. Subsequently, a focus group was conducted with four physiotherapists to obtain qualitative information on the usability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of the game. Finally, a feasibility and cost-effectiveness analysis were performed to evaluate the possible long-term benefits and financial implications of implementing Motion Health VR in Colombia. The results obtained were a broad acceptance of VR as a complementary tool in post-stroke rehabilitation and the recognition of personalized games as motivators for patient participation. Physiotherapists highlighted the playability and immersion of the game, although they noted limitations related to costs and spasticity of the patient. The analysis indicated that initial costs, while significant, could be justified by long-term savings and improved patient outcomes. Finally, it is concluded that Motion Health VR demonstrated significant potential to complement post-stroke rehabilitation, receiving positive feedback from physiotherapists. Key challenges include improving access, reducing costs, and providing VR training to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.