Using Virtual Reality in the in-patient setting of children’s physiotherapy at RHC

Virtual reality (VR) is an artificial environment that the user experiences as if they were really there. It has been reported that VR may help with physiotherapy by improving patient motivation and personalising rehabilitation (CSP 2020). 

Immersive VR is a form of VR in which the user can explore and interact with a 3D, computer-generated environment. They become part of this virtual world and are able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.

In the summer of 2022, the RHC Physiotherapy service started a trial of using immersive VR using hardware (headset and tablet) and software from SyncVR Medical. The use of VR was aiming to enhance current therapy options for Children and Young People (CYP) accessing physiotherapy at RHC.

Adherence to healthcare therapy can be a crucial factor in influencing overall outcomes. Physiotherapists working with CYP need to use a variety of skills and modalities to maintain motivation to keep them engaged with therapy. This can be challenging in the hospital environment where opportunities to vary therapy can be more limited. Consequently, VR was thought to be a potential useful adjunct for physiotherapy to increase motivation at RHC.

All inpatient CYP receiving input from the physio service were considered for VR as part of their rehabilitation. Inclusion was dependent on therapists’ clinical reasoning and consent from CYP. Predominantly, VR was used to promote ‘low-level’ physical activity (i.e. sitting out of bed, standing exercises).

The VR system was used to promote physiotherapy through the participation of immersive games. Patient/parent and physiotherapy questionnaires were collected as part of the trial. We found that Immersive VR could be positively used within our population group. It was particularly beneficial for CYP that were limited to moving beyond their room environment. This group included those on ventilators and those restricted due to isolation restrictions.

Patient and parent feedback was very positive. One parent commented, “My son loved using the VR, more than doubled his physio time from the day before without even realising. Amazing!” While one child said, “I loved playing the football game and being the goalkeeper. I really enjoyed the tennis game too! Oh, and the boxing. I think it's very good for our physio activities and more enjoyable. I'd like to see some more games added like rugby”.

The physiotherapy service at RHC are now looking to have VR as a permanent option to positively impact therapy within the hospital.