A game-base Virtual Reality exercise therapy in forward head posture: system design and evaluation

Abstract

Introduction: Forward Head Posture is considered as one of the most common occurring Spine Exercise therapy is the routine approach for treatment of FHP. exercise therapy of many disorders is long, arduous, monotonous and tedious. Accordingly, virtual reality is a novel technology can be a solution to these challenges. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate virtual reality exercise therapy system for forward head posture disorder. Methods: In the present descriptive developmental research, in order to determine the content of the game, the exercises proposed by the physiotherapist were classified, then the final exercises were selected. two modules were designed and evaluated by using accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to measure coordinates and transfer data through Wi-Fi to the unity software. VR game base system were designed by using mobile sensors, built-in modules. Finally, the cohen's kappa was used to evaluate the intrarater reliability. Results: The content of the game consisted of capital flexion extension and chin tuck with rotation. These therapeutic exercises were agreed at the Focus Group Discussion. the mobile sensor is capable of providing capital flexion extension exercise. For the chin tuck exercise, the built-in module is used. In the virtual reality game, the shooting scenario was selected. The interactive part of the game sense the neck movement and the Cohen’s kappa was 0.845(perfect reliability).

Conclusion: Designing virtual reality environments is a step toward overcoming challenges in exercise therapy. In this regard, planning of virtual reality products for therapeutic exercise should be designed at a minimum cost. Finally, to evaluate the efficacy of the VR product for the treatment of FHP, a clinical trial is recommended.