Contributions
Abstract: EP1703
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Symptomatic treatment
Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) represents a motivational and effective remote treatment with unique tracking and monitoring capabilities for targeted neurorehabilitation, including people with MS (PwMS). VR was reported to improve the range of motion and muscle strength in PwMS with upper limb function deficits.
Objective: Evaluate the safety and feasibility of training with the innovative VR Oculus-rift device in PwMS.
Methods: A prospective feasibility study will enroll 30 PwMS with weakness in upper extremity muscles defined by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grade 4 in two muscle groups or BMRC grade 3 in one muscle group. Patients with visual, cognitive and/or hearing impairments will be excluded. The VR Oculus built-in head-tracking device is easily applied and enables users to explore, navigate, and move within real-size virtual environments. For the present study patients will practice two games that require arm and shoulder movements in various directions, including reaching forward toward moving targets. The strong and weak upper limbs will be trained separately. The VR session will be divided into four training rehearsals consisting of a 4-min active phase followed by a 1-min rest break, the total session will last 30 minutes. Following the training session each participant will complete a questionnaire covering aspects of quality of the training and fatigability. Additionally, the physiotherapist in charge of the training session will complete a report assessing exercise performance, compensation movements, fatigability and safety of the training. Feasibility to perform the VR accurately and any intervention-related adverse events will be recorded.
Conclusion: Assessment of VR training in PwMS in this feasibility study will help to design further targeted VR practicing to improve upper limb dysfunction in MS. Stage II will focus on implementing this intervention approach into a home-based environment.
Disclosure: All authors declare nothing to disclosure
Abstract: EP1703
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Symptomatic treatment
Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) represents a motivational and effective remote treatment with unique tracking and monitoring capabilities for targeted neurorehabilitation, including people with MS (PwMS). VR was reported to improve the range of motion and muscle strength in PwMS with upper limb function deficits.
Objective: Evaluate the safety and feasibility of training with the innovative VR Oculus-rift device in PwMS.
Methods: A prospective feasibility study will enroll 30 PwMS with weakness in upper extremity muscles defined by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grade 4 in two muscle groups or BMRC grade 3 in one muscle group. Patients with visual, cognitive and/or hearing impairments will be excluded. The VR Oculus built-in head-tracking device is easily applied and enables users to explore, navigate, and move within real-size virtual environments. For the present study patients will practice two games that require arm and shoulder movements in various directions, including reaching forward toward moving targets. The strong and weak upper limbs will be trained separately. The VR session will be divided into four training rehearsals consisting of a 4-min active phase followed by a 1-min rest break, the total session will last 30 minutes. Following the training session each participant will complete a questionnaire covering aspects of quality of the training and fatigability. Additionally, the physiotherapist in charge of the training session will complete a report assessing exercise performance, compensation movements, fatigability and safety of the training. Feasibility to perform the VR accurately and any intervention-related adverse events will be recorded.
Conclusion: Assessment of VR training in PwMS in this feasibility study will help to design further targeted VR practicing to improve upper limb dysfunction in MS. Stage II will focus on implementing this intervention approach into a home-based environment.
Disclosure: All authors declare nothing to disclosure