This Is How Virtual Reality Is Changing Rehabilitation Therapies

Virtual reality (VR) devices are set to completely transform the experience of patients in rehabilitation. 

Generally, to stimulate the body of an injured person, physiotherapists carry out rather “peculiar” routines. Some ask patients to walk in a straight line, others to chop vegetables, and the more conventional ones train muscles with weights or pilates balls. These exercises seek to strengthen the body’s balance, cognition, and coordination, but, honestly, they are quite boring. 

That is why a company called Penumbra is now testing a rehabilitation platform in the digital world to improve that routine and, moreover, motivate affected individuals in real time. 

“The immersive experience inspires and challenges patients to get the most out of their therapy.”

Penumbra

This “medical metaverse” from RealSystems’ Y series is designed to guide the patient’s movements through sensors on the upper and lower body. While the person travels through a wonderful world in which they can move freely, therapists stimulate the body through gentle movements in real life. 

The use of virtual reality devices in the world of rehabilitation had never been considered before. Essentially because it was thought to be a way of “deceiving” patients with a fake world where everything was possible. But Penumbra has now confirmed that this is a great lie: VR simply makes the experience more enjoyable, and therefore offers better results.

Virtual Reality as a Rehabilitation Tool

When we think of a metaverse, the first thing that comes to mind is people using avatars to participate in virtual events, wear unique clothing, or buy goods — essentially, a place to experience things they will never find in the real world.  

However, Penumbra’s proposal is very different from what we imagine. They have not developed a virtual reality game for patients in rehabilitation, but rather a therapeutic mechanism supported by emerging technologies. 

Their device consists of a headset and five body sensors for the limbs. It does not allow patients to buy or acquire goods, but it offers something much better: the ability to move in ways they had not done before. 

“We don’t want people to live in a fake world. We are a healthcare company; we want people to get better and return to their daily lives.”

Penumbra

Penumbra believes that their device could help patients who are often reluctant to move due to fear of pain. Also those who do not dare to challenge themselves in the real world, so they end up abandoning therapy altogether.

In this sense, the benefits of virtual reality in medicine are quite clear:

• Improving the brain’s neuroplasticity through activities.
• Developing personalized routines that advance alongside the patient.
• And stimulating their motivation.

Is the Future of Rehabilitation in VR?

In a YouGov survey, more than 80 physiotherapists said the sector faces greater challenges. Among them, the emergence of rare diseases that require better treatments, or the quality of care that patients now demand. 

Therefore, they consider that VR can help improve this situation. Mainly because patients in rehabilitation are truly engaged with virtual reality and the metaverse, just like all of us.

References:

Uses of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation: a systematic review

Penumbra – Immersive Healthcare