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Webster A, Poyade M, Coulter E, Forrest L, Paul L. Views of Specialist Clinicians and People With Multiple Sclerosis on Upper Limb Impairment and the Potential Role of Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb in Multiple Sclerosis: Focus Group Study. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e51508. [PMID: 38669680 PMCID: PMC11087863 DOI: 10.2196/51508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Finding enjoyable and effective long-term approaches to rehabilitation for improving the upper limb (UL) function of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is challenging. Using virtual reality (VR) could be a solution to this challenge; however, there is a lack of reporting on the views of people with MS and clinicians on VR-based approaches and recommendations for games for rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify common UL problems and their related current therapeutic approaches for people with MS, and to explore the opinions of people with MS and specialist clinicians on VR and obtain suggestions for the development and design of VR games. METHODS Separate focus groups were conducted with people with MS, recruited through the MS Society UK's research network, and clinicians, recruited through the MS Trust Therapists in MS network. A total of 10 people with MS (2 focus groups) and 8 clinicians (5 physiotherapists, 2 occupational therapists, and 1 MS nurse in 2 focus groups) were involved. The focus groups were recorded and transcriptions were analyzed using theme-based content analysis. RESULTS People with MS commonly reported that their UL problems interfered with activities of daily living and resulted in the loss of meaningful hobbies such as writing. Many people with MS neglected UL exercise and found strategies for adapting to the UL impairments. Similarly, clinicians stated UL rehabilitation was neglected within their service and that it was challenging to find interesting treatment strategies. VR was suggested by both participant groups as a solution, as it was convenient for people with MS to access and it could provide a more engaging and disguised approach to exercise. There were shared concerns with cybersickness and disengagement with using VR approaches. Both groups agreed games should be meaningful and adaptable for users but suggested different VR activities, with clinicians suggesting games directly reflecting activities of daily living and people with MS suggesting more abstract activities. CONCLUSIONS VR was well received by both people with MS and clinicians for UL rehabilitation. Recommendations were made for the development of VR rehabilitation games which are personalized and customizable for the varying abilities of people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Webster
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Matthieu Poyade
- School of Simulation and Visualisation, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Coulter
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Forrest
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Paul
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Maggio MG, Rizzo A, Quartarone A, Manuli A, Calabrò RS. Virtual reality rehabilitation in patients affected by multiple sclerosis: Impact on quality of life and sexual functions. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 84:105470. [PMID: 38350226 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can present several neurological symptoms with a progression that often leads to loss of cognitive and physical abilities. Sexual dysfunctions are frequent, although underestimated, MS symptoms significantly affecting the quality of life of these patients. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of VR rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life in individuals with MS. The secondary objective aimed to investigate whether the improvement in quality of life would also lead to enhanced sexual satisfaction and sexual function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS and attending from November 2018 to March 2020 the Rehabilitation Laboratory of IRCCS Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" in Messina, Italy were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomized into either the control group (CG: 35 patients) that received traditional cognitive rehabilitation (CR) or the experimental group (EG: 35) undergoing VR. RESULTS The EG showed substantial improvements in various aspects of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQOL) between T0 and T1. Sexual function significantly improved, along with sexual satisfaction. Conversely, the CG achieved significant changes only in overall quality of life. Pearson's correlations highlighted the positive associations between sexual function and satisfaction, as well as with physical and mental well-being, underscoring the importance of improving sexual function as a marker of overall health. DISCUSSION This study is meant as exploratory as it addresses a fundamental yet overlooked aspect of rehabilitation, i.e., sexual function and sexual satisfaction, which could potentially be enhanced through rehabilitation in a VR environment. Registration DOI number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/NB4MJ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amelia Rizzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti, 1, 98122, Messina, Italy.
| | | | - Alfredo Manuli
- A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", Via Consolare Valeria, 98124, Messina, Italy
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Albanese GA, Bucchieri A, Podda J, Tacchino A, Buccelli S, De Momi E, Laffranchi M, Mannella K, Holmes MWR, Zenzeri J, De Michieli L, Brichetto G, Barresi G. Robotic systems for upper-limb rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: a SWOT analysis and the synergies with virtual and augmented environments. Front Robot AI 2024; 11:1335147. [PMID: 38638271 PMCID: PMC11025362 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1335147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The robotics discipline is exploring precise and versatile solutions for upper-limb rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). People with MS can greatly benefit from robotic systems to help combat the complexities of this disease, which can impair the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). In order to present the potential and the limitations of smart mechatronic devices in the mentioned clinical domain, this review is structured to propose a concise SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis of robotic rehabilitation in MS. Through the SWOT Analysis, a method mostly adopted in business management, this paper addresses both internal and external factors that can promote or hinder the adoption of upper-limb rehabilitation robots in MS. Subsequently, it discusses how the synergy with another category of interaction technologies - the systems underlying virtual and augmented environments - may empower Strengths, overcome Weaknesses, expand Opportunities, and handle Threats in rehabilitation robotics for MS. The impactful adaptability of these digital settings (extensively used in rehabilitation for MS, even to approach ADL-like tasks in safe simulated contexts) is the main reason for presenting this approach to face the critical issues of the aforementioned SWOT Analysis. This methodological proposal aims at paving the way for devising further synergistic strategies based on the integration of medical robotic devices with other promising technologies to help upper-limb functional recovery in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bucchieri
- Rehab Technologies Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Podda
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Tacchino
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Buccelli
- Rehab Technologies Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena De Momi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Laffranchi
- Rehab Technologies Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Kailynn Mannella
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy
- AISM Rehabilitation Center Liguria, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society (AISM), Genoa, Italy
| | - Giacinto Barresi
- Rehab Technologies Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Pau M, Arippa F, Leban B, Porta M, Casu G, Frau J, Lorefice L, Coghe G, Cocco E. Cybersickness in People with Multiple Sclerosis Exposed to Immersive Virtual Reality. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:115. [PMID: 38391601 PMCID: PMC10886275 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Together with the wide range of possible benefits for the rehabilitation/training of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and other neurologic conditions, exposure to immersive virtual reality (VR) has often been associated with unpleasant symptoms, such as transient dizziness, headache, nausea, disorientation and impaired postural control (i.e., cybersickness). Since these symptoms can significantly impact the safety and tolerability of the treatment, it appears important to correctly estimate their presence and magnitude. Given the existing data scarcity, this study aims to assess the existence and severity of possible adverse effects associated with exposure to immersive VR in a cohort of pwMS using both objective measurements of postural control effectiveness and subjective evaluations of perceived symptoms. To this aim, postural sway under upright quiet posture (in the presence and absence of visual input) of 56 pwMS with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS) in the range of 0-6.5 (mean EDSS 2.3) and 33 unaffected individuals was measured before and after a 10-min immersive VR session and at 10 min follow-up on the basis of center of pressure (COP) trajectories. The severity of cybersickness symptoms associated with VR exposure was also self-rated by the participants using the Italian version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Temporary impairments of postural control in terms of significantly increased sway area were observed after the VR session only in pwMS with mild-moderate disability (i.e., EDSS in the range of 2.5-6.5) in the presence of visual input. No changes were observed in pwMS with low disability (EDSS 0-2) and unaffected individuals. In contrast, when the visual input was removed, there was a decrease in sway area (pwMS with mild-moderate disability) and COP path length relating to the use of VR (pwMS with mild-moderate disability and unaffected individuals), thus suggesting a sort of "balance training effect". Even in this case, the baseline values were restored at follow-up. All participants, regardless of their status, experienced significant post-VR side effects, especially in terms of blurred vision and nausea. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggest that a short immersive VR session negatively (eyes open) and positively (eyes closed) impacts the postural control of pwMS and causes significant disorientation. However, such effects are of limited duration. While it is reasonable to state that immersive VR is sufficiently safe and tolerable to not be contraindicated in the rehabilitation/training of pwMS, in order to reduce possible negative effects and maximize the efficacy, safety and comfort of the treatment, it appears necessary to develop specific guidelines that consider important factors like individual susceptibility, maximum exposure time according to the specific features of the simulation, posture to adopt and protocols to assess objective and perceived effects on participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Pau
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Arippa
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bruno Leban
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Porta
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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Maggio MG, Cannavò A, Quartarone A, Manuli A, Tonin P, Calabrò RS. Enhancing the Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Promising Results on the Role of Cognitive Tele-Rehabilitation Plus Virtual Reality. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1636. [PMID: 38137084 PMCID: PMC10742306 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis often face obstacles accessing traditional rehabilitation programs, primarily due to mobility limitations. Tele-rehabilitation (TR) is seen as a promising solution to overcome these barriers, though its precise influence on patients' quality of life (QoL) has not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a cognitive TR in a sample of Italian patients with MS. (2) Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with MS, attending the Robotic and Behavioral Neurorehabilitation Unit of the IRCCS "Bonino-Pulejo" Neurolesi Center in Messina, Italy, between October 2019 and March 2020 were enrolled in the study. All patients were randomly assigned, using block randomization with a block size of 2 × 2, to two groups: the control group (CG), composed of 16 patients who received traditional cognitive training, and the experimental group (EG), composed of 20 patients who underwent TR training with a VRRS (virtual reality rehabilitation system). Each patient underwent an assessment before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the rehabilitation treatment, using the Quality of Life-54 Multiple Sclerosis (MSQoL-54). (3) Results: Only in the EG, we observed a statistically significant improvement in the QoL related to mental well-being following the paired T-test (MSQoL p-value < 0.001). Notably, no significant differences were found in the CG (MSQoL p-value of 0.67). (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that TR training combined with VR has the potential to improve the well-being of individuals with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Maggio
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, 98123 Messina, Italy; (M.G.M.); (A.Q.)
| | - Antonino Cannavò
- A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, 98123 Messina, Italy; (M.G.M.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alfredo Manuli
- A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.)
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