Acceptability of using a Kinect-based virtual reality intervention to remediate arm motor impairments in subacute stroke

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the acceptability of using a Kinect-based virtual reality (VR) intervention to improve arm motor impairments following a stroke. Six individuals undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke and 7 clinicians working in a stroke program in a rehabilitation center individually interacted with a VR-based intervention. Following the intervention, a focus group was conducted with the clinicians to assess their level of satisfaction with the intervention. Participants with stroke were asked to report on their satisfaction with the intervention (Short Feedback Questionnaire) as well as to participate in a 20-minute semi-structured interview. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data and descriptive statistics were used to describe quantitative data. Clinicians and individuals with stroke were satisfied with the virtual reality intervention (Short Feedback Questionnaire (mean ± standard deviation): 25.8 ± 4.2) in targeting upper limb motor impairments, individuals with stroke tolerated the intervention (Short Feedback Questionnaire Level of Discomfort: 1.2 ± 0.4) and the level of risk was minimal. No adverse events were experienced, except for temporary eye fatigue when interacting with the VR environment due to concentration. The results suggested that this adjunct virtual reality intervention is feasible to be used for the rehabilitation of individuals who have had a stroke.