CompletedNot ApplicableObservational

VR in major trauma rehab: a qualitative study

This study is exploring how virtual reality (VR) headsets could help people recover from serious injuries in the hospital. When people have major injuries, they often need rehabilitation to get their strength and movement back, but this can sometimes be tough due to pain or worry. VR headsets make you feel like you're in a different place and can offer games, exercises, or relaxing scenes. This study wants to find out if using VR for physical activities can make rehab more fun and less daunting. Researchers will talk to patients who have used VR during their hospital rehabilitation to understand their experiences and whether they found it helpful. The goal is to see if VR could improve recovery for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

City St George's, University of London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2025

Inpatients with major trauma

What is this study about?

When someone has a very serious injury, often called major trauma, they need a lot of rehabilitation to help them get back on their feet. This involves exercises and therapies to regain strength, movement, and independence. This recovery process can sometimes be very challenging because of pain, fears about moving, and feelings of stress or worry. It’s important to find ways to make rehabilitation easier and more engaging.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a type of computer technology where you wear a special headset over your eyes. This headset shows you a screen that makes you feel like you are somewhere else entirely. Think of it like a very advanced computer game. These VR headsets have different programs or 'apps' – some offer games, some have exercises, others provide guided relaxation or show peaceful scenery. VR is starting to be used in healthcare to help patients, and researchers want to understand the best ways to use it.

This study is specifically looking at whether using VR headsets, particularly for physical activities, can help people during their rehabilitation after a major injury. Past research has shown that relaxing VR can reduce worry and pain, but we don't know much about using more active VR in this situation. The researchers want to talk to patients about their experiences – what they liked, what they didn't like, and if they felt it helped them. Ultimately, the aim is to see if VR could improve rehabilitation for people with serious injuries in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores if Virtual Reality (VR) helps people recover from serious injuries.
It focuses on understanding patients' experiences with VR during hospital rehab.
Participation involves a 30-minute interview about using VR headsets.
The goal is to potentially improve rehabilitation for future patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without any reason.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are 18 years old or older and have had a major injury. You would be considered if you have used a VR headset to help with your physical exercises during your rehabilitation while you were staying in the hospital for your serious injury.

However, you wouldn't be able to take part if you can't speak English fluently. Also, if your doctors or therapists feel that you might have difficulty understanding or taking part in a detailed interview, or if you can't give your clear permission to be involved, then this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you experienced a major injury?
Did you use a VR headset for physical activity during your hospital rehabilitation?
Can you speak English fluently?
Are you able to give your clear permission to take part in an interview?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first sign a form to show you understand and agree to participate. You would also fill out a short form with some basic information about yourself and your injuries. The main part of your involvement would be a 30-minute chat with a researcher. This can happen in person or over a video call, whichever is easiest for you. During this conversation, you would talk about your experiences using a VR headset during your hospital rehabilitation – what you found helpful, what you didn't like, and how it made you feel.

Potential risks and benefits

One potential benefit of taking part is that your experiences could help improve how future patients with serious injuries receive their rehabilitation, making it potentially better or more enjoyable for them. A possible risk is that thinking and talking about your recovery from a serious injury might bring up some difficult emotions. You should know that you are completely free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation trust
City only
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is VR?

VR stands for Virtual Reality. It's computer technology that uses a special headset to make you feel like you're in a different place or environment.

Who can join this study?

Adults aged 18 or over who have had a serious injury and have used VR headsets for exercise during their hospital recovery.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll have a 30-minute chat with a researcher about your experiences using VR in rehab, and you'll fill in a short form.

Could this study help me directly?

This study aims to improve rehabilitation for future patients, rather than offering direct benefits to those taking part now.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Bethany Kenny

bethany.kenny@stgeorges.nhs.uk +44 (0)2087250985 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.