Virtual Reality (VR) training has been used as a form of arm and hand rehabilitation in different neurological conditions, with limited evidence in SCI, especially at the acute stage. In VR, people are able to complete exercises in an immersive and interactive virtual environment. This can foster more enjoyable and motivating experiences compared to traditional exercise therapy, potentially increasing the amount of therapy undertaken. The VR Upper Limb Therapy (VRULT) study is a randomised controlled feasibility study. The aim of VRULT is to investigate the feasibility of immersive games for upper limb exercise with inpatients at the QENSIU. Participants will undertake three 30-minute VR sessions per week for six weeks. The VR games have been co-created with spinal cord injury rehabilitation specialists and people with lived experience of tetraplegia. The study aims to recruit up to 24 participants. VRULT is funded by Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research. SIShas also assisted with recruitment of people with lived experience of SCI to contribute to the co-creation of the VR games.
Contact for the study is Prof Lorna Paul: lorna.paul@gcu.ac.uk
Project Team