A novel virtual reality blowgun game for rehabilitation of older adults: A preliminary case series

Shohei Hasegawa; Kohei Yamaguchi; Ayane Horike; Ryota Kanai; Yoshiko Hara; Tomoya Sasaki; Atsuko Miyazaki; Atsushi Hiyama; Haruka Tohara

doi:10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_24_00160

Shohei Hasegawa, Kohei Yamaguchi , Ayane Horike, Ryota Kanai, Yoshiko Hara, Tomoya Sasaki, Atsuko Miyazaki, Atsushi Hiyama, Haruka Tohara

Author information

Shohei Hasegawa
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Kohei Yamaguchi Corresponding author
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Ayane Horike
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Ryota Kanai
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Yoshiko Hara
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Tomoya Sasaki
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Atsuko Miyazaki
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Atsushi Hiyama
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Center for the Promotion of Social Data Science Education and Research, Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo, Japan
Haruka Tohara
Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Division of Gerontology and Gerodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Keywords: Virtual reality, Head-mounted display, Dysphagia rehabilitation, Older adults, Case report

JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: JPR_D_24_00160

DOI https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_24_00160

Details

Abstract

Patients: Three residents of a long-term care home volunteered to participate in a rehabilitation program involving a virtual reality blowgun game. The participants played the game 5 days a week as a new exercise routine. After 4 weeks of intervention, tongue pressure and forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved in all participants. In addition, the jaw-opening force and forced expiratory volume in 6 s improved in two participants. All three participants rated the virtual reality blowgun game as more enjoyable than their regular rehabilitation programs.

Discussion: Previous studies have shown that gamification can be useful in dysphagia rehabilitation. However, there are no previous reports describing the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation programs aimed at improving swallowing and respiratory functions in older adults while investigating participant motivation. The outcomes of the cases described herein suggest that such programs can be as effective as conventional expiratory training. Furthermore, gamification can enhance enjoyment, even in exercises designed to improve physical function.

Conclusions: These cases indicate that the virtual reality blowgun game may effectively improve swallowing and respiratory functions in older adults while being enjoyable.

Corresponding author

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