Experience of an upper limb training program with a non-immersive virtual reality system in patients after stroke: a qualitative study

摘要

Objectives The YouGrabber (YG) is a new virtual reality training system that focuses\udon unilateral and bimanual activities. This nested study was part of a larger\udmulticentre randomised controlled trial and explored experiences of people with\udchronic stroke during a 4 week intensive upper limb training with YG.\udDesign: A qualitative design using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. A\udphenomenological descriptive approach was used, with data coded, categorized and\udsummarized using a thematic analysis. Topics investigated included: the experience\udof YG training, perceived impact of YG training on arm function, and the role of the\udtreating therapist.\udResults: Five people were interviewed (1 female, age range 55-75yrs, 1-6yrs poststroke).\udSeven main themes were identified: (1) general experience, (2) expectations,\ud(3) feedback, (4) arm function, (5) physiotherapist’s role, (6) fatigue, (7) motivation.\udKey experiences reported included feelings of motivation and satisfaction, with\udpositive factors identified as challenge, competition, fun and effort. The YG training\udappeared to trigger greater effort, however fatigue was experienced at the end of the\udtraining. Overall, patients described positive changes in upper limb motor function\udand activity level, e.g. automatic arm use. While the opportunity for self-practice was\udappreciated, input from the therapist at the start of the intervention was deemed\udimportant for safety and confidence.\udConclusions: Reported experiences were mostly positive and the participants were\udmotivated to practice intensively. They enjoyed the challenging component of the\udgames.