Smart phone based virtual reality as tool for physical therapy

Abstract

This thesis explores the advantages and challenges of using a phone-based virtual reality solution when creating a system intended for the therapy of patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. It also explores the suitability of popular design principles of the Human-Computer Interaction as specifically applied to the field of smartphone-based VR using a cardboard head mount display. Besides, it also explores what gamification techniques are suitable for VR assisted treatment. To answer these questions a high-fidelity prototype, the Virtual Neck Application (VNA), was produced over five iterations utilizing the user-centered design method and within the framework of the design science research methodology.