Sensor-based Physiotherapy Intervention With Virtual Reality

Plain-language summary

This study is looking at the how the use of non-immersive virtual reality technology can be used to help people that have pain in their knees caused by osteoarthritis. It is a feasibility randomised controlled trial to investigate the feasibility of the use of the intervention by patients in their homes in a larger randomised controlled trial. The intervention is a non-immersive virtual reality system. Through the use of painless sensors, patients are able to control an animated character on a screen through a series of games that replicates real physiotherapy exercises used to treat knee osteoarthritis. This intervention is being compared to a standard care physiotherapy programme. As this is a feasibility study, it has no single primary outcome. Instead, the main outcome measures relate to feasibility of the study. This includes; feasibility of recruitment, completeness of outcome measures, the fidelity of healthcare professionals delivering the intervention, the acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures, adverse events, and adherence of the intervention. Patients are randomised to receive either the intervention or control, and then spend 12-weeks in their assigned treatment. They then receive a 12-week and a 24-week follow up. Patient interviews are offered for those in the intervention arm to collect qualitative data regarding acceptability of the intervention and their participation in the study.

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details