Successful Testing of Virtual Occupational Therapy Assistant (VOTA) Prototype

Virtual Occupational Therapy Assistant (VOTA) is a computer-based virtual world in which stroke patients practice activities of daily living (ADLs), combining low-cost human motion tracking, commercial game engine technology, and evidence-based Occupational Therapy (OT) practice. In recently completed testing at the UVa HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, fourteen stroke survivors successfully used the system in four one-hour sessions. Participants expressed a strong acceptance of the virtual world-based system for the practice of ADLs. Statistical analysis of questionnaire responses revealed favorable attitudes towards the technology, as well as a strong correlation between these attitudes and a behavioral intention to use the system. Correlation between VOTA-derived measures and a standard assessment of upper extremity (UE) motor performance demonstrated the criterion validity of virtual ADL metrics. Development of the commercial product is ongoing.  For more information, click here.