Stroke patients' experiences with Wii Sports® during inpatient rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Commercial virtual reality games have been used as adjunct therapy for stroke rehabilitation, mainly after patients have been discharged. The aim of this study was to explore stroke patients' experiences with Wii Sports® as a supplement to conventional occupational therapy in a controlled hospital setting. Materials and methods: The study had a qualitative triangulation design that included semi-structured interviews and field notes. Nine Danish stroke patients participated, receiving between one and nine interventions with Wii Sports® during a three-week period. Responses were coded by qualitative content analysis. Results: Analysis revealed one overarching category, “Connecting to past, present, and future occupations”, and three categories that encompassed patients' experiences with Wii: (i) variety, (ii) engagement, and (iii) obstacles and challenges. Interview findings were confirmed by field notes that included observations of engagement and challenges. Discussion: Stroke patients in hospital settings may experience Wii Sports® as a beneficial and challenging occupation for both rehabilitation and leisure. Incorporation of Wii Sports® into conventional occupational therapy services may benefit patient rehabilitation directly or provide motivation for alternative leisure activities.

Key words::

• stroke
• rehabilitation
• qualitative content analysis
• Nintendo Wii®
• leisure

Acknowledgements: The authors wish to thank the stroke patients for sharing their experiences, the occupational therapists for valuable assistance, and the interprofessional teams for support. This study was supported by the Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Glostrup and by the Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre. Research grants were provided first author by Copenhagen University Hospital in Hvidovre, the Tryg Foundation, and the Danish Association of Occupational Therapists.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.