Traditional Rehabilitation Experiences, Unmet Needs, and Perspectives on Virtual Reality–Based Rehabilitation Among Patients With Stroke in China: Qualitative Thematic Analysis and Semistructured Interview Study

Stroke rehabilitation services in China require improvement in the appeal of rehabilitation content, patient self-management, and continuity of care. Although patients desire better rehabilitation approaches and outcomes, the effective integration of VR technology must account for factors, such as personal characteristics and preferences, as well as socioeconomic status. Unlike previous studies that primarily examined user experiences with digital technologies or compared rehabilitation outcomes, our research contributes to the literature by linking the challenges and patient needs in conventional rehabilitation with concrete directions for the future design of VR rehabilitation. These insights deepen current understanding of how VR technologies can be meaningfully integrated into stroke care and provide a roadmap for developing patient-centered and culturally responsive VR solutions.