DURATION OF THE PROJECT:

LEAD PARTNER:

UP Faculty of Health Sciences

PROJECT PARTNERS:

IJS

TEAM AT UP FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES:

• Prof. Nejc Šarabon (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• Assist. Prof. Žiga Kozinc (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• Assist. Prof. Darjan Smajla (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• asist. Bernarda Helbel (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• asist. Manca Opara Zupančič (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• Assoc. Prof. Mirko Prosen (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• Prof. Maša Černelič Bizjak (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• asist. Oskar Cvjetičanin (SICRIS, ResearchGate)
• Assist. Prof. Denisa Manojlović Ivezić (SICRIS, ResearchGate)

ABSTRACT:

Exercise therapy (ET) is recommended as a cornerstone treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions; however, biopsychosocial (BPS) factors such as pain, kinesiophobia, disturbances in body representation, lack of motivation, reduced self-efficacy, maladaptive beliefs, and inappropriate exercise performance often hinder its effectiveness. In the VIRTUES project, we will use virtual reality (VR) to investigate how these barriers can be addressed in patients with musculoskeletal conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The project aims to answer the following fundamental questions: (1) How do BPS factors influence the performance of ET? (2) Which VR solutions are the most effective and user-friendly? and (3) What is the effect of VR on overcoming BPS barriers compared with traditional approaches? The project will establish a scientific foundation for the further applied development of VR-based rehabilitation. The work programme is organised into five work packages (WPs). WP1 is dedicated to project management, including coordination, administration, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. WP2 focuses on the development of VR software that will enable different VR solutions to support ET and patient education. Within WP3, iterative pilot testing will be conducted to investigate the effects of different VR solutions on exercise performance, pain, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, changes in beliefs, and knowledge about the health condition. In addition, the assessment of user experience will enable further optimisation of the VR solutions. The pilot studies and VR solutions will be divided into four sections according to the mechanisms that VR may address: (1) distraction mechanisms; (2) body ownership illusion mechanisms; (3) education; and (4) kinematic feedback mechanisms regarding the appropriateness or inappropriateness of ET performance. In WP4, we will conduct a 12-week controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of the optimised VR solution compared with a traditional approach, as well as the transfer of effects to situations in which patients are no longer supported by VR. The content of the intervention implemented in WP4 will be determined based on the identification of the most effective VR solution in WP3. WP5 will focus on the promotion and dissemination of project results through scientific publications, conferences, and other communication channels. The evaluation will include biomechanical analyses, such as 3D kinematics and electromyography, questionnaires assessing psychosocial factors, and physical performance tests. The synergy of the project partners’ competencies, expertise, technical capabilities, and experience is exceptional. Both project partners have access to a wide range of biomechanical equipment, including the HumacNORM isokinetic dynamometer, the Optotrak 3D motion capture system, and the KinArm robotic system for the assessment and analysis of motor function. The project is designed to enable the achievement of all proposed objectives within the planned timeframe and available resources. Key elements ensuring the feasibility of the project include an interdisciplinary team with expertise in biomechanics, VR, rehabilitation, and programming; available infrastructure and equipment; careful scheduling; and support from a SWOT analysis. The recruitment of a sufficient number of participants is reliably ensured through numerous well-established and trusted partnerships with healthcare organisations and professionals with whom we already successfully collaborate in research activities. The project also considers gender equality and closely follows relevant guidelines and policies at both local and international levels. The interdisciplinary team and clearly defined methodology provide a strong basis for the successful achievement of the proposed objectives.

RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT PLAN