Augmented reality glasses as a new tele-rehabilitation tool for home use: patients’ perception and expectations

Abstract

Background: Increasing numbers of patients with chronic diseases is, among others, an economic challenge to society. Telerehabilitation (TR) has been increasingly investigated. Augmented reality glasses (ARG) may facilitate TR and keep patients active and promote a healthier lifestyle. Chronic patients may be reluctant to use new technologies and it is therefore necessary to study if they can embrace them. Aim: To study if ARG TR is acceptable for patients with myocardial infarction (MI), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); to learn from their perception, expectations and wishes for improvement. Method: Danish COPD and IPF, and Finnish MI outpatients participated in focus groups and personal interviews. They got access to ARG and an AR program where they could experience exercising guided by a virtual physiotherapist agent. A topic guide was used to explore their experience and perception of the ARG TR device. Participants reported their views on: “Self experiences” and “Areas for improvement”. Results: 13 patients (4 MI, 2 IPF, 7 COPD) were allocated into one focus group (9 patients) and 4 interviews (4 patients). 12 patients could see the added value of ARG and reported positive points of view. They suggested robust head fixation for exercise performance, adjustable screening/ brightness, female 3D agent, visual/audio real time feedback based on movement and easy to navigate interface. Conclusion: Patients with chronic heart or lung diseases found value in an ARG TR program. Patient involvement in the development ensures a positive contribution to the design of the expected AR software and hardware envisioned solution for TR.