Using Virtual Reality and Video Games for Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using Virtual Reality and Video Games for Brain Injury Rehabilitation
IRAS ID
313059
Contact name
Annalu Waller
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), including both Ischaemic Stroke (IS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), are among the leading causes of disability and death in adults around the world. It is common for individuals with ABI to be in therapy for extended periods. More recently, serious games in Virtual Reality (VR) are being utilised during rehabilitation to assess and treat patients. It can be understood that throughout both normal and VR rehabilitation sessions, OTs and patients interact with one another. However, during VR rehabilitation, patients often use head-mounted displays (HMDs) that block out the view of the real world.
This research aims to observe and understand how immersive VR technology and games is used in routine rehabilitation sessions with patients with acquired brain injury, and how this differs from real-world rehabilitation. By understanding current behaviours and interactions in a therapeutic setting, the research will inform the future design of a VR game for brain injury rehabilitation.
This study will use a mixed methods approach, focusing on qualitative elements by employing observations, interviews, and questionnaires to gain insights into how interactions between the patient and therapist differ with or without the use of VR in rehabilitation sessions. The research will take place at the Royal Victora Hospital (RVH) in Dundee at the Centre for Brain Injust Rehabilitation (CBIR).
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0505
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion