Immersive Virtual Reality: A New Dimension in Physiotherapy

Abstract

Physiotherapy treatments often necessitate patients to perform exercises at home as part of their rehabilitation regimen. However, outside the clinic, patients are often left with inadequate guidance, typically provided in the form of static images or sketches on paper. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted the ability for patients and physiotherapists to engage in face-to-face sessions, leading to suboptimal compliance and concerns about the accuracy of exercise performance. In recent years, there has been a growing body of scientific literature on the application of virtual reality (VR) in physiotherapy. This emerging trend highlights the potential of VR technology to enhance the guidance and effectiveness of physiotherapy regimens. This research paper aims to investigate the impact of VR-based physiotherapy on the guidance and completion of prescribed exercises. To address the limitations faced by patients unable to access in-person physiotherapy due to the pandemic or geographical constraints, we propose the FisioVR application, specifically designed for Android devices. What sets FisioVR apart is its intrinsic guidance and support from physiotherapy experts. To evaluate the effectiveness of FisioVR, we conducted tests with eight respondents who provided valuable feedback via an online form. The results clearly demonstrate that each physiotherapy session carried out using FisioVR has a positive impact and is conducive to achieving the intended therapeutic objectives, effectively promoting recovery. In summary, FisioVR has the potential to bridge the gap between patients and care providers, facilitating home-based and individualized physiotherapy. This innovative application leverages the power of virtual reality to offer a more accessible, guided, and personalized approach to physiotherapy, especially crucial during times when in-person sessions are challenging.