Abstract
Objectives
The YouGrabber (YG) is a new virtual reality training system that focuses on unilateral
and bimanual activities. This nested study was part of a larger multicenter randomized
controlled trial and explored experiences of people with chronic stroke during a 4
weeks intensive upper limb training with YG.
Design
A qualitative design using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. A phenomenological
descriptive approach was used, with data coded, categorized and summarized using a
thematic analysis. Topics investigated included: the experience of YG training, perceived
impact of YG training on arm function, and the role of the treating therapist.
Results
Five people were interviewed (one female, age range 55 to 75 years, 1 to 6 years poststroke).
Seven main themes were identified: (1) general experience, (2) expectations, (3) feedback,
(4) arm function, (5) physiotherapist’s role, (6) fatigue, (7) motivation. Key experiences
reported included feelings of motivation and satisfaction, with positive factors identified
as challenge, competition, fun and effort. The YG training appeared to trigger greater
effort, however fatigue was experienced at the end of the training. Overall, patients
described positive changes in upper limb motor function and activity level, e.g. automatic
arm use. While the opportunity for self-practice was appreciated, input from the therapist
at the start of the intervention was deemed important for safety and confidence.
Conclusions
Reported experiences were mostly positive and the participants were motivated to practice
intensively. They enjoyed the challenging component of the games.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: March 18, 2017
Footnotes
☆This work was undertaken while Isabelle Lehman was a post graduate student at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh under the supervision of Dr. Baer.
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
