Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Hand Therapy

Virtual Reality in Hand Therapy Effectiveness and Implementation

The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of Virtual Reality as an intervention for patients following specific hand injuries will positively affect patients with decreased hand function and reduce pain and improve outcomes. Participants will be recruited from 3 different clinics in central Kentucky.

Participants will participate in four sessions of therapy treatment over a 2-3 week time span of schedule therapy appointments during their active phase of rehabilitation for approximately 1-hour virtual reality (VR) training dosage which will be recorded. The specific virtual reality games within the Oculus Quest 2 VR system will be selected by the therapist providing interventions each session.

In addition to the Virtual Reality intervention noted above, participants will participate in a pre and post-test outcome measure session (25-30 minutes) with a research team member. (See outcome measure section for more details).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Attending hand therapy for rehabilitation of an upper extremity injury with a diagnosis of distal radius fracture, complex regional pain syndrome or tendon ruptures
2. Must be in an active exercise phase of rehabilitation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Not in a phase in their rehabilitation in which they can perform active exercises
2. Having arm injury due to a neurological disorder (stroke, Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, other)
3. Non-English speaking
4. Patient reporting a history of severe claustrophobia or motion sickness