Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/20449
Title: Development and feasibility testing of an online virtual reality platform for delivering therapeutic group singing interventions for people living with spinal cord injury.
Austin Authors: Tamplin, Jeanette ;Loveridge, Ben;Clarke, Ken;Li, Yunhan;Berlowitz, David J 
Affiliation: Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Networked Society Institute, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Learning Environments, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne School of Health Sciences (Physiotherapy), The University of Melbourne, Australia
Issue Date: Jul-2020
Date: 2019-03-01
Publication information: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 2020; 26(6): 365-375
Abstract: People with quadriplegia have a high risk for respiratory illness, social isolation and depression. Previous research has demonstrated that therapeutic singing interventions can not only improve breathing function and speech loudness, but also improve mood and social connectedness for people with quadriplegia. Face-to-face group attendance is difficult for this population due to difficulties with distance and travel. Online environments offer an accessible and cost-effective solution for people to connect with others without leaving their home. In a two-phase iterative design, we explored and tested different approaches for delivering online music therapy sessions with 12 patients from an inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation service. Six participants in Phase 1 trialled different virtual reality headsets and completed a short interview about their experience of the equipment and online singing trials. Outcomes from Phase 1 testing led to the development of a custom-built virtual reality application for online group music therapy sessions with low-latency audio. We tested the acceptability and feasibility of this platform in comparison to face-to-face and teleconference options for music therapy with six different patients. These participants completed three validated questionnaires: System Usability Scale, Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology, and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale, and an interview about their experience. Questionnaire scores were good with mean ratings of 4.4 for Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology, 53 for System Usability Scale and positive mean Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale scores of 1.5 for competence, 2 for adaptability and 1.5 for self-esteem. Thematic analysis of post-session qualitative interviews revealed five themes: virtual reality was a positive experience, virtual reality was immersive and transportative, virtual reality reduced inhibitions about singing in front of others, virtual reality may reduce social cues, and the virtual reality equipment was comfortable, accessible and easy to use. Telehealth options, including a custom-designed virtual reality program, with low-latency audio are an acceptable and feasible mode of delivery for therapeutic singing interventions for people with spinal cord injury. Future non-inferiority research is needed to test online delivery modes for music therapy in comparison to face-to-face treatment.
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/20449
DOI: 10.1177/1357633X19828463
ORCID: 0000-0002-3623-033X
Journal: Journal of telemedicine and telecare
PubMed URL: 30823854
Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Music therapy
singing
spinal cord injury
telehealth
virtual reality
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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