What - The project aims to investigate integrating virtual reality media into therapy/recovery in the healthcare environment for brain stroke patients. The research and findings focus on recovery practices using cognitive stimuli and motivation to exercise patients. It also aims to develop VR experiences that engage and support patients during their recovery process, improving well-being and engagement during recovery times. Hence, I worked on the concept development of a virtual reality environment for rehabilitation. The research questions are :

RQ 1: What VR content can be applied in the rehabilitation process to motivate patients?

RQ 2: How can spatial arrangements through VR, play a significant role in the process of therapy/ rehabilitation?

Why - My background is in architecture and design studies, and I chose this topic to design intuitive, accessible, and psychologically supportive virtual environments. My understanding of spatial relationships, user experience design, and attention to detail helped me develop a prototype for this project. Through qualitative analysis, it has been determined that brain stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Reports indicate that in Norway, approximately 76% of stroke patients are living at home without assistance, which creates challenges for therapists, clinicians, and the patients themselves. To address these rehabilitation challenges, a research-based virtual reality intervention is necessary. Conventional methods are often time consuming, require significant resources, patient compliance and may have limited availability based on location. Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers an innovative solution, allowing users to engage with curated simulated environments and receive immediate feedback on their performance. Virtual reality exercise applications show promising potential in incorporating essential concepts of brain stroke rehabilitation, such as repetition, intensity and task-oriented training for affected limbs, hands and cognitive exercises.

How - The project resulted from a collaborative effort involving qualitative research activities. These activities included discussions with a neurologist, participation in three workshops with post-stroke patients at Aker Sykehus Hospital in Oslo, observation, peer review group discussions, literature review and guidance from thesis supervisor. The Rehab Island concept is developed in this thesis project through these activities - a conceptual Virtual reality rehabilitation for patients catering to mild cognitive dysfunctions to moderate dysfunction. Using design thinking methodology, a visual prototype was created and evaluated by experts, an occupational therapist, two physiotherapists and VR solutions team. Their feedback helped conclude the project and identify potential development opportunities for stroke rehabilitation in future.