Applicability of an unstable platform integrated with virtual reality aimed at rehabilitation and postural control

José Eduardo Pompeu, DALTON KINA
Purpose:

Thus, this study sought to evaluate the applicability of a low-cost, unstable platform that functions as a virtual reality game controller as a tool to aid rehabilitation treatments. To this end, it was necessary to verify whether the device contemplates the attributes of postural control. We also sought to measure the safety and acceptability of this functional prototype. 

Methods:

Healthy physiotherapists with experience in rehabilitation underwent immersive and semi-immersive interventions of the system and, after each of them, responded to the System Framework for Postural Control (SFPC), a framework of postural control components, the validated Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) questionnaires to assess the tolerability and safety of the solution, and the System Usability Scale (SUS), which measures the acceptability of new digital devices. 

Results:

The total average in the SFPC was 7.67 (1.34) points for immersive intervention and 7.94 (1.33) for semi-immersive intervention, considering a maximum score of 9. They also scored 77.43 (14.44) in the SSQ for immersive intervention and 82.36 (10.5) for semi-immersive intervention out of a total of 100 points. The average total score in the SUS after applying the formula was 77.43 (14.44) for immersive intervention and 82.36 (10.5) for semi-immersive out of a total of 100 points. Significant scores of tolerability and acceptability in the SSQ and SUS, respectively. 

Conclusion(s):

The results obtained suggest that the evaluated device is applicable as an aid tool for postural control and rehabilitation treatments, and is also considered safe and acceptable for the segment. Given the applicability, safety and acceptability of the system, we suggest that future studies can be carried out with patient populations whose treatments involve postural control in comparison to conventional treatments.

Implications:

Low-cost devices that seek to synergize conventional treatment resources with new sensors, gamification and virtual reality technologies can potentially optimize results, improve physical space in clinics, promote ergonomic comfort for professionals and democratize access to these new technologies


Funding acknowledgements:
This research was supported by FAPESP - São Paulo Research Foundation
Keywords:
Postural Control
Virtual reality
Simulator
Primary topic:
Disability and rehabilitation
Second topic:
Innovative technology: robotics
Third topic:
Professional issues: diversity and inclusion
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
University of São Paulo USP Ethics and Research Committee of the Faculty of Medicine UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO
Provide the ethics approval number:
5.516.648
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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