Abstract 15657: Stroke Survivors’ and Caregivers’ Experience of Using Game-Based Virtual Reality Training Modules Designed for Promoting Social Participation

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) technology may provide a promising alternative to promote stroke survivors’ social participation. Three innovative social participation-focused, game-based VR training modules for community-dwelling stroke survivors were developed. Aim: This study sought to understand the survivors’ and caregivers’ perceptions of the usefulness of VR-based interventions in supporting post-stroke recovery and their experience of using the specially developed VR modules. Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured, in-depth, individual interviews was conducted with a convenience sample of 10 stroke survivor-caregiver dyads (n=20). Each survivor and caregiver attended a first interview about their perceptions and expectations of VR-based interventions. They were then invited to experience all games of the VR modules and were interviewed again about their experience and satisfaction with using the VR modules, and suggestions on areas for improvement. All interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Most of the survivors (mean age=60.80; SD=6.71) were female (70%), had an ischemic stroke (50%), and walked with a stick (70%). The mean years after stroke was 4.80 (SD=4.16). Most of the caregivers were female (80%) and had a mean age of 56.20 years (SD=7.73). All survivors had no prior VR experience. Three themes were identified: A modern strategy instilling enjoyment into the regular physical training; confidence boosting for reengaging into life situations and outdoor activities; and tailored modifications needed for reviewing training progress, supporting more social interactions and controller-free experience. They suggested enabling availability of the modules in survivors’ home or community settings for increasing the convenience to access the modules. Conclusions: The findings showed that the new VR training modules are acceptable to the survivors. Feedback elicited informed refinement of the modules and the usefulness of the modules in improving social participation of survivors will be evaluated in a large-scale randomized controlled trial.