Advancing Academic Research in Virtual Rehabilitation.
Using virtual reality in occupational therapy to support the occupational participation of people with major depressive disorder.
In 2022, depressive disorders caused the highest number of medical absences from work in France. In their lifetime, 15-20% of the population will be affected by this illness. Therefore, it is a crucial public health issue for our society. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of an occupational therapy intervention programme using simulated virtual reality activities to improve the occupational participation of people suffering from a major depressive disorder. The 18 sessions included in the programme adopt a comprehensive approach, thanks to the MOHO tools incorporated, which enable a chronological thematic analysis. Virtual reality provides occupational therapy tools for setting up activities and environments in a fine, progressive way. It allows to target skills and interests that are sometimes unattainable in real-life. Its entertaining side could have an effect on the symptoms of the disease and play a role in improving occupational participation.
Virtual Reality and Occupational Engagement: A new perspective on the rehabilitation of elderly people at risk of falling.
Fear of falling significantly impacts older adults’ engagement in their occupations. While the use of new technologies in occupational therapy is generating interest, few studies have explored their potential to improve engagement. This study explores the effects of virtual reality (VR) in rehabilitation to promote occupational engagement among seniors at risk of falling. Analysis of semi-structured interviews with three occupational therapists reveals the positive impact of VR on patients’ motivation and adherence to rehabilitation. As a complement to traditional approaches, VR promotes occupational engagement by offering an immersive and stimulating experience. However, this study highlights the importance of integrating VR in a way that takes individual needs into account. Further research using standardized measures is needed to explore the specific effect of VR on fear of falling and to further consider the ethical issues related to integrating technology into professional practice.
Implementation of a fall prevention program for the elderly through a fun cognitive-motor activity: practicing cycling in virtual reality.
Context: Physical activity, particularly dual-tasking, is recommended to prevent falls in older adults, but its lack of appeal limits participation.
Research objective: To create an engaging 8-week prevention program using virtual reality “bike rides” on the CycléoONE® bicycle.
Methodology: Our criteria were: 1) bi-weekly sessions consisting of three 10-minute rides in varied environments, stimulating physical and cognitive abilities, as well as social interaction, and incorporating various dual-tasks; 2) eco-friendly rides with a progressive increase in the different abilities involved. Two residents of a nursing home (EHPAD) participated in the creation of this program: assessments on the bicycle, followed by five paired training sessions.
Results: Physical abilities were stimulated by varying pedaling power, and social interactions were enhanced through conversations during the rides. For the cognitive rides, various everyday life scenarios were specifically created. The virtual reality cycling activity was very well received. Both participants showed improvement in several targeted abilities after just five sessions.
Discussion/Conclusion: In light of these promising results, the effectiveness of this program in preventing falls among older adults will be tested soon.