Metaverse for Exercise Rehabilitation: Possibilities and Limitations.
Kyoung-Hwan Cho1, Jeong-Beom Park1, Austin Kang2
1Department of Special Physical Education, Daelim University College, Anyang 13916, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Experts reached a consensus on using the metaverse for stroke patient rehabilitation, highlighting virtual reality (VR) treadmill walking benefits and implementation challenges. Future development requires addressing technological, safety, and cost barriers for effective metaverse exercise programs.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Digital Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Stroke rehabilitation increasingly explores innovative digital health solutions.
- The metaverse offers novel platforms for remote and engaging therapeutic interventions.
- Expert consensus is crucial for guiding the development of metaverse-based rehabilitation tools.
Framework:
- Virtual reality (VR)-assisted treadmill walking shows potential for improving stroke patients' cognitive function, endurance, and cardiorespiratory health.
- Key components for metaverse exercise rehabilitation include technology, safety protocols, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and expert involvement.
- The role of exercise instructors is vital in planning, executing, and assessing VR-assisted treadmill walking, necessitating specialized training.
Implementation:
- A Delphi consensus technique involving 22 experts was employed through three online survey rounds.
- Consensus was defined as over 90% agreement among participating scholars, physicians, and therapists.
- The study identified specific parameters for VR-assisted treadmill walking, including frequency (≥5 times/week) and duration (approx. 1 hour/session).
Implications:
- The metaverse framework for stroke patient exercise rehabilitation is deemed feasible for future implementation.
- Overcoming challenges related to technology, safety, cost, and expert availability is essential for successful adoption.
- This consensus provides a foundation for developing and integrating metaverse technologies into clinical stroke rehabilitation pathways.
