Photo-Realistic Interactive Virtual Environments for Neurorehabilitation in Mild Cognitive Impairment (NeuroVRehab.PT): A Participatory Design and Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognitive, psychological, and functional impairments. Digital interventions typically focus on cognitive deficits, neglecting the difficulties that patients experience in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The global conjecture created by COVID-19 has highlighted the seminal importance of digital interventions for the provision of healthcare services. Here, we investigated the feasibility and rehabilitation potential of a new design approach for creating highly realistic interactive virtual environments for MCI patients’ neurorehabilitation. Through a participatory design protocol, a neurorehabilitation digital platform was developed using images captured from a Portuguese supermarket (NeuroVRehab.PT). NeuroVRehab.PT’s main features (e.g., medium-sized supermarket, the use of shopping lists) were established according to a shopping behavior questionnaire filled in by 110 older adults. Seven health professionals used the platform and assessed its rehabilitation potential, clinical applicability, and user experience. Interviews were conducted using the think-aloud method and semi-structured scripts, and four main themes were derived from an inductive semantic thematic analysis. Our findings support NeuroVRehab.PT as an ecologically valid instrument with clinical applicability in MCI neurorehabilitation. Our design approach, together with a comprehensive analysis of the patients’ past experiences with IADL, is a promising technique to develop effective digital interventions to promote real-world functioning.

A Perspective on Implementation of Technology-Driven Exergames for Adults as Telerehabilitation Services

“…A spatial navigation VR platform is similarly feasible of detecting pre-dementia symptoms ( Ijaz et al, 2019 ). A new participatory virtual platform is intended to be used as a rehabiliation gaming tool ( Ferreira-Brito et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Telerehabilitation exergames assessing cognition are also showing promise. NeuroVRehab.PT is an image-based navigable and interactive virtual supermarket in which shopping lists need to be memorized ( Ferreira-Brito et al, 2020 ). Older male persons using NeuroVRehab.PT were assessed by health professionals, and they concluded the system is an ecologically valid instrument with clinical applicability in mild cognitive impairment neurorehabilitation.…”

Die „vierte Welle“? COVID-19 und konsekutive kognitive Störungen

“…Dabei ist zu hoffen, dass die technischen Errungenschaften und neu erworbenen Gewohnheiten der letzten Monate bessere Chancen zu einer breiten und vielleicht ähnlich effektiven Anwendung eröffnen [34]. Die telemedizinischen Möglichkeiten reichen von der Diagnostik [35] über kognitives Training [36], videogestützte Rehabilitation [37], Psychotherapie [38] bis zur Angehörigenberatung [39].…”