Article

A low-cost virtual reality system that translates movements of the
hand, fingers, and thumb into game play was designed to provide a flexible and
motivating approach to increasing adherence to home-based rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE: Effectiveness depends on adherence, so did patients use the
intervention to the recommended level? If not, what reasons did they give?
The purpose of this study was to investigate these and related questions. DESIGN: A
prospective cohort study, plus qualitative analysis of interviews, was conducted.
METHODS: Seventeen patients recovering from stroke recruited to the intervention
arm of a feasibility trial had the equipment left in their homes for 8 weeks and
were advised to use it 3 times a day for periods of no more than 20 minutes.
Frequency and duration of use were automatically recorded. At the end of the
intervention, participants were interviewed to determine barriers to using it in
the recommended way. RESULTS: Duration of use and how many days they used the
equipment are presented for the 13 participants who successfully started the
intervention. These figures were highly variable and could fall far short of our
recommendations. There was a weak positive correlation between duration and
baseline reported activities of daily living. Participants reported lack of
familiarity with technology and competing commitments as barriers to use,
although they appreciated the flexibility of the intervention and found it
motivating. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size limits the conclusions that can be
drawn. CONCLUSIONS: Level of use is variable and can fall far short of
recommendations. Competing commitments were a barrier to use of the equipment,
but participants reported that the intervention was flexible and motivating. It
will not suit everyone, but some participants recorded high levels of use.
Implications for practice are discussed.
CI - (c) 2015 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS