DOI: 10.17032/shu-0000000294
title: Immersive Virtual Reality for Myoelectric Prostheses Training: Home Feasibility Trial

description: Myoelectric prostheses (MEPs) offer significant benefits to individuals with amputations by enabling more natural and intuitive control. However, accepting and mastering MEPs control remains a challenge. The learning process is often lengthy and painful, requiring users to adapt to complex and extensive training. Factors such as device weight, discomfort, lack of sensory feedback, and psychological adjustment contribute to a high rate of MEPs discontinued use. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) offers a unique approach to prosthesis training, allowing patients to practice in a safe, engaging and controlled environment before the fitting.
This study investigated the feasibility of a co-designed, home-based IVR training program for MEPs users through a clinical trial conducted at two sites, involving seven individuals with upper limb amputations aged 17 to 59 (M = 40.86, SD = 15.67). Qualitative data on the training protocol and design constraints were collected from Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) representatives and clinicians during the co-design process. Usability, acceptability, and engagement were collected from participants and Occupational Therapists (OTs), along with quantitative assessments of motivation, quality of life, and functional use of the MEPs at baseline, post-training, and follow-up, which informed the evaluation in two hospitals.
The trial revealed that participants found the training enjoyable and engaging, although design improvements are necessary to further enhance system usability and accessibility. Future deployment will focus on improving the system's user-friendliness and streamlining the onboarding process for participants and OTs. By enabling effective home-based training, this IVR system has demonstrated strong potential to reduce hospital visits, support early functional recovery, and improve long-term prosthesis adoption.
description: Development Workshops
Observations and notes regarding the training protocol and design constraints were collected by the researcher during two workshops held with Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) representatives and clinicians.

Clinical Trial
Qualitative Data: Usability, acceptability, and engagement were explored through interviews conducted at the end of the trial.
Quantitative Data: Self-report questionnaires were administered at baseline, post-training, and follow-up. These included:
- Motivation (ad-hoc MOT)
- Quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and OPUS-HQOL)
- Functional use of the MEPs (OPUS-UE)
VR System Data Logs: During system use, the VR platform recorded data logs. These were later cleaned to retain only the variables relevant to the study.
description: Development Workshops
Notes from the development workshops are stored in a Word document available in the deposit.

Clinical Trial Interviews
Interviews were conducted with participants and Occupational Therapists (OTs). Audio recordings were encrypted using a Dictaphone, transcribed, and subsequently deleted. Transcriptions were anonymised and coded for content analysis. Both the transcriptions and the Excel document containing the coding framework are available in the deposit. Outcomes of the analysis are published in: [add publication link].

Questionnaires
Scanned copies of the completed questionnaires are stored in the deposit. Codified outputs are available in Excel and SPSS formats. Outcomes of the analysis are published in: [add publication link].

VR System Data Logs
Data logs were downloaded from the VR system and cleaned to retain only the variables relevant to the study. The processed data is stored in an Excel document in the deposit. Outcomes of the analysis are published in: [add publication link].