Virtual Reality Exergaming: An MS rehabilitation study

November 15, 2021 | Aids, Life with MS, Research, Study, Support, Trials, Uncategorised

This study seeks to explore the views of people with MS (PwMS) to potentially use VR-exergaming to improve physical function and cognition.

It is being conducted by Amir Moeinzadeh (PhD Candidate) at the University of Canterbury, School of Health Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Carl Petersen (Sports Scientist), Dr. Ally Calder (Physiotherapist), Dr. Simon Hoermann (Lecturer in Product Design) and guidance from Professor Leigh Hale (Physiotherapist and professor at Otago University) and Dr. Deborah Mason (Neurologist) is also utilised.

The study consists of two phases, an individual interview and a focus group session for discussing participants’ views/ perceptions regarding the application of virtual reality-exergaming in their rehabilitation therapy. According to the recent consensus of international MS rehabilitation experts (2020), exercise with VR-gaming or VR-exergaming is recommended as an alternative method of rehabilitation instead of conventional exercise methods. There are several merits reported for utilizing this method such as increasing the compliance of patients for exercise, facilitating exercise as a home-based routine therapy. Interestingly, VR-exergaming was observed to have positive impacts not only on physical abilities but also on mental and cognitive capacities including memory and concentration. In this regard, exploring the views of PwMS about using VR-exergaming in their rehabilitation will contribute to utilizing more patient-oriented approaches. These approaches would be more appealing and target-oriented rehabilitation methods with highly likely more acceptance and adherence to the therapy.

Participants will be asked to participate in: 

• 1 individual interview which includes a VR gaming experience to take place at the UC Campus
• 1 group interview either in person or by Zoom or Skype

Are you eligible?

• 18 years old or above
• Able to walk 300m unassisted without resting
• Normal vision
• No MS attacks in the last 3 months
• Lack of other chronic medical illnesses

For more information, download the Participant Information Sheet.

To participate, or if you are unsure if you meet the requirements, call or email:

• Dr. Amir Moeinzadeh
• amir.moeinzadeh@pg.canterbury.ac.nz
• +64 204 0190 930