Imaginator: A virtual reality based game for the treatment of sensory processing disorders

Abstract

The treatment for Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) commonly involves providing patients with controlled sensory stimuli. In this paper, we propose the use of Virtual Reality (VR) Games to assist with this treatment. Our goal is to investigate if the use of such games can be useful in the treatment of SPD through its inherent stimulation of different sensory systems. We introduce Imaginator, our highly configurable VR Roller Coaster Game, and, in order to analyze its potential, it was made available to five occupational therapists for a period of the minimum of 15 days. Therapists were instructed to use the game if and when they thought it could be useful in treating their patients. After the trial period, we interviewed the therapists regarding their experience with the use of the game. Therapists reported that in general Imaginator had a positive effect in their treatments and was able to stimulate five senses (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory and tactile). They also reported signs of relaxation, increased concentration and changes in behavior in patients who used it. It is noteworthy that the system caused some adverse reactions during use but there was no accidents reported.