Feasibility of gamified visual desensitisation for visually-induced dizziness

Goodwin, Nathan, Powell, Georgina ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6793-0446, Loizides, Fernando ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0531-6760, Derry-Summer, Hannah, Rajenderkumar, Deepak and Sumner, Petroc ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0536-0510 2024. Feasibility of gamified visual desensitisation for visually-induced dizziness. Scientific Reports 14 , 17864. 10.1038/s41598-024-67745-9

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Abstract

Visually-induced dizziness (visual vertigo) is a core symptom of Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness (PPPD) and occurs in other conditions and general populations. It is difficult to treat and lacks new treatments and research. We incorporated the existing rehabilitation approach of visual desensitisation into an online game environment to enhance control over visual motion and complexity. We report a mixed-methods feasibility trial assessing: Usage and adherence; rehabilitation potential; system usability and enjoyment; relationship with daily dizziness. Participants played online with (intervention, N = 37) or without (control, N = 39) the visual desensitisation component for up to 5–10 min, twice daily for 6 weeks. Dropout was 45%. In the intervention group, N = 17 played for the recommended time while N = 20 played less. Decreases in visual vertigo symptoms, anxiety and depression correlated with playtime for the intervention but not control. System usability was high. Daily symptoms predicted playtime. Qualitative responses broadly supported the gamified approach. The data suggest gamified visual desensitisation is accessible, acceptable and, if adherence challenges can be overcome, could become a useful addition to rehabilitation schedules for visually-induced dizziness and associated anxiety. Further trials are needed.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Nature Research
ISSN:	2045-2322
Funders:	Wellcome Trust
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 August 2024
Date of Acceptance:	15 July 2024
Last Modified:	19 Aug 2024 17:46
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/170627

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