Virtual reality–based mirror therapy (VR-MT) has been used as an alternative approach to traditional mirror therapy. This preclinical study evaluates the usability, safety, and user experience of multi-axis virtual reality–based mirror therapy (VR-MT), an approach designed to address the limitations of conventional mirror therapy. This randomized controlled, double-blind study involved 172 healthy participants. Participants were divided into two groups: the VR-MT group (n = 86) and the sham group (n = 86). Participants took part in mirror therapy sessions based on their assigned group. Usability and side effects were assessed using the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ), System Usability Scale (SUS), Virtual Reality System Usability Questionnaire (VR-SUQ), Presence Questionnaire (PQ), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). All evaluations were conducted immediately after the session completion. The VR-MT group had significantly higher PQ scores (p < 0.001), SUS ratings (p < 0.001), and VAS realism scores (p < 0.001) than the sham group. Both groups reported low SSQ and VRSQ scores, showing no significant differences in SSQ (p = 0.958) or VRSQ scores (p = 0.654). No additional side effects were reported. The three-axis VR-MT system used in this study was found to be well accepted, safe, and tolerable by healthy participants. It also provided higher usability and immersion compared with the sham application. These findings support the system’s applicability and suggest that it may be suitable for future use in neurological rehabilitation with low adverse effects. However, clinical studies are needed to determine its efficacy.
Çit et al. (Mon,) studied this question.