Contributions
Abstract: EP1588
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: RIMS - Exercise
Background/Objective: Balance deficits are considered a challenging risk factor for falls in MS patients. Therefore, developing innovative approaches to improve balance in MS is required. One possible approach is the use of virtual reality (VR). VR allows users to interact with computer simulated 3D environments. It offers three cornerstones of motor learning; repetition, motivation, and feedback. The main aim of this study is to describe phases in the development of VR scenarios that target balance deficits in MS.
Methods: A participatory framework emphasizing end-user involvement was used. Consultation in the form of focus groups were undertaken with MS patients (n=16) and therapists who work routinely with MS patients (n=12). These focus groups were undertaken to refine a set of required criteria that guided the development of VR scenarios. The developed VR scenarios were then presented to the therapists who participated in the focus groups for their consideration. Therapists were asked to complete a purpose designed questionnaire to determine usability and acceptability of the developed VR scenarios.
Results: Six VR scenarios were developed. These were considered in the light of the responses from the therapists and the patients. Responses from the focus groups also provided clear characterization of structure, framework and format of the VR scenarios. All the questionnaire respondents agreed that the included VR scenarios are suitable to MS patients. All of the respondents also perceived that the overall structure of the scenarios was good, easy to follow, having appropriate length, pace and progression in difficulty.
Conclusions: Evaluation of new VR scenarios that can be used in rehabilitating MS patients in a structured method is important to understand factors that may affect the development process. Future work is required to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of the developed scenarios on improving balance in this population.
Disclosure: Hanan Khalil: nothing to disclose
Alham Al-Sharman: nothing to disclose
Shada Kazaaleh: nothing to disclose
Khalid El-Salem: nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1588
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: RIMS - Exercise
Background/Objective: Balance deficits are considered a challenging risk factor for falls in MS patients. Therefore, developing innovative approaches to improve balance in MS is required. One possible approach is the use of virtual reality (VR). VR allows users to interact with computer simulated 3D environments. It offers three cornerstones of motor learning; repetition, motivation, and feedback. The main aim of this study is to describe phases in the development of VR scenarios that target balance deficits in MS.
Methods: A participatory framework emphasizing end-user involvement was used. Consultation in the form of focus groups were undertaken with MS patients (n=16) and therapists who work routinely with MS patients (n=12). These focus groups were undertaken to refine a set of required criteria that guided the development of VR scenarios. The developed VR scenarios were then presented to the therapists who participated in the focus groups for their consideration. Therapists were asked to complete a purpose designed questionnaire to determine usability and acceptability of the developed VR scenarios.
Results: Six VR scenarios were developed. These were considered in the light of the responses from the therapists and the patients. Responses from the focus groups also provided clear characterization of structure, framework and format of the VR scenarios. All the questionnaire respondents agreed that the included VR scenarios are suitable to MS patients. All of the respondents also perceived that the overall structure of the scenarios was good, easy to follow, having appropriate length, pace and progression in difficulty.
Conclusions: Evaluation of new VR scenarios that can be used in rehabilitating MS patients in a structured method is important to understand factors that may affect the development process. Future work is required to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of the developed scenarios on improving balance in this population.
Disclosure: Hanan Khalil: nothing to disclose
Alham Al-Sharman: nothing to disclose
Shada Kazaaleh: nothing to disclose
Khalid El-Salem: nothing to disclose