Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: August | Volume: 9 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 433-438
Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Psychosocial Factors in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Kaiorisa Doctor1, Suryakant Gadgerao2, Rituja Udpikar3, Ashok K. Shyam4, Parag K. Sancheti5
1B.P.Th, Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India
2Assistant Professor, Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India
3B.P.Th, Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India
4MS Ortho, Research Officer - Sancheti Institute for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India
5MS Ortho, Chairman - Sancheti Institute for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Corresponding Author: Suryakant Gadgerao
ABSTRACT
Background: Spinal cord injury is one of the leading causes of disability in today’s world. Paralysis of the muscles can lead to limited mobility, self care and participation in social activities. The psychosocial impact of the episode is as great as the physical impact. Psychosocial factors profoundly affect a patient’s ability to recover. Treatment outcomes will be influenced by patients’ perception to their role in the rehabilitation process. Physical therapy is a long-term and tedious process especially in patients with SCI and hence stimulating patients’ motivation is a major concern. VRT helps reduce monotonicity and increase interest, attention and concentration. VRT leads to more patient involvement, better attention, better learning and retention of skills and helps in boosting the confidence of the patients.
Method: 17 patients(age:33.94 ± 12.61years) who matched the inclusion criteria were recruited. 16 patients completed the intervention. On recruitment, baseline measurements were done using the outcome measures. After recruitment, intervention with virtual reality training for 12 sessions over a period of 4 weeks was done. After intervention, post assessment was done.
Results: There are significant changes seen in the psychosocial factors post intervention with p<0.05.Patients reported decrease in stress and anxiety and more calmness post intervention. Participants got better at playing the games with each successive session.
Conclusion: This study concludes that virtual reality training holds great potential to be a therapeutic tool in improving psychosocial factors in spinal cord injury patients.
Key words: Spinal cord injuries; psychosocial factors; virtual reality training; rehabilitation