Virtual reality set to aid rehabilitation

This is the claim of PRIME-VR2, a two-year Horizon 2020 project that aims to reduce rehabilitation times for patients by up to 30 per cent with video game style technology.

Technology used in the project, which includes academic and engineering experts from Strathclyde University and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), aims to improve rehabilitation speed and completion rates by making it more stimulating. It is expected to complement traditional rehabilitation methods while easing the physical demands placed on occupational and physical therapists.

Bath team explores virtual reality for improving balance

Structured as a level-based system where patients must complete online games to make progress, the digital platform allows medical staff to track patient progress using gaming data and provide ongoing support virtually.

According to Strathclyde, the technology will help patients develop upper body motor skills to improve movement in their arms, wrists, hands, and fingers and provide personalised activities depending on their unique cognitive and physical impairments. In use, those with the neurological movement disorder dystonia can practice pouring a glass of water in the virtual world without spilling a drop in reality.