Design and usability evaluation of an immersive virtual reality mirrored hand system for upper limb stroke rehabilitation

This study aimed to develop an immersive virtual reality (VR) mirrored-hand system with real-life activities designed for the upper limb rehabilitation of people with stroke and to evaluate its clinical usability and feasibility. This VR mirrored-hand system was developed using Blender and Unity software on a MacOS Apple Silicon platform. Fifteen individuals with stroke were recruited to evaluate the system’s clinical usability and feasibility using the system usability scale (SUS), a self-designed user feedback questionnaire, and the virtual reality sickness questionnaire (VRSQ). The immersive VR mirrored-hand system, featuring 3D virtual environments simulating the real-life activities of cooking, driving, shopping, and housework, was successfully developed. Participants reported average scores of 56.67 (out of 100) on the SUS, 36.93 (out of 50) on the self-designed user feedback questionnaire, and 6.28 (out of 100) on the VRSQ. These scores suggest moderately acceptable levels of clinical usability and feasibility, with minimal incidence of motion sickness during the VR headset use. The VR mirrored-hand system, demonstrating moderately acceptable clinical usability and feasibility, shows promise for clinical application in post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation. Further research is warranted to explore its therapeutic effects on upper-limb motor function and daily activities in people with stroke.