Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
05:52
Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
19.6K
Advancing Digital Access to Physical Therapy via Virtual and Extended Reality Technology: Prototype Development and
Victoria Lynn Tiase1, Julie M Fritz2, Jesse Ferraro3
1Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 421 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, United States, 1 801-585-3945.
JMIR Formative Research
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) offers a promising avenue for physical therapy (PT) accessibility, particularly for postoperative back surgery patients. However, the current VR prototype requires improved instructions and user onboarding to enhance usability and patient engagement.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Physical therapy (PT) access in the US is limited by high demand, workforce shortages, and patient barriers, potentially increasing reliance on pain medication.
- Limited PT access can exacerbate conditions like low back pain, a leading cause of disability and healthcare costs, especially post-surgery.
- Virtual reality (VR) interventions show potential for improving motor function and reducing pain intensity through guided movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, develop, and evaluate a VR-based prototype for individualized postoperative physical therapy for back surgery patients.
- To explore the potential of VR to enhance convenience, accessibility, and health outcomes in physical therapy.
Main Methods:
- Employed participatory design and the design box method for VR software development focused on back exercises.
- Conducted a usability evaluation of the VR prototype with postoperative back surgery patients.
- Utilized a think-aloud protocol and usability surveys for data collection.
Main Results:
- Six participants evaluated the VR prototype, identifying usability issues such as VR boundary mismatches and difficulties with VR equipment (headset, hand controls).
- The System Usability Scale yielded a score of 58.3/100, below the average of 68, indicating below-average usability.
- Participants expressed enthusiasm but noted challenges with device operation and insufficient instructions.
Conclusions:
- The VR physical therapy prototype demonstrated user enthusiasm but highlighted significant usability challenges requiring improved onboarding and operational instructions.
- Extensive prototype testing and refinement are crucial for enhancing accessibility and user engagement in VR-based healthcare solutions.
- Future research should address potential disparities and ensure the accessibility and effectiveness of VR PT for diverse patient populations.
