Virtual Reality-Powered Wrist Therapy: Developing a Therapist-Driven Exit-the-Room Serious Game with Hand Gesture Interactions

Abstract

Wrist injuries, driven by factors such as an aging population and the popularity of high-impact sports, have become increasingly prevalent. In response, this study focuses on developing a serious game for wrist injury rehabilitation within a virtual environment, aiming to enhance motivation and therapeutic adherence while highlighting the potential of virtual rehabilitation. Extensive literature research and the involvement of five experts during the game’s design led to the creation of “WristBreakout”, which successfully integrated 13 out of 15 recommended movements into gameplay. In addition, the technical feasibility of the VR headset “MetaQuest” within the domain of wrist rehabilitation was shown. A preliminary evaluation with six healthy participants showed positive results in terms of usability and acceptance (SUS average was 69; UES categories were between 3.97 and 4.77). This work contributes to the broader context of serious games and virtual reality (VR) applications in healthcare, exemplifying how technology can positively impact the rehabilitation experience.