VR is set to add to rehabilitation programmes for patients with dystonia

Virtual reality is set to add to rehabilitation programmes for patients with dystonia, stroke and sports injuries. This is the claim of a two-year Horizon 2020 project, PRIME-VR2, which aims to reduce rehabilitation times for patients by up to thirty per cent with video game style technology.

The project’s technology, which comprises academic and engineering specialists from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and Strathclyde University, intends to enhance rehabilitation speed and completion rates by stimulating it. It’s anticipated to supplement standard rehabilitation approaches while also reducing the physical demands on occupational and physical therapists.

The digital platform, set up as a level-based system in which patients must complete online games to advance, allows medical personnel to track patient progress using gaming data and give virtual assistance.

According to Strathclyde University, the technology will aid patients in developing upper body motor skills to enhance mobility in their arms, hands, wrists, and fingers and provide individualised exercises based on their cognitive and physical limitations. Those who have dystonia, a neurological movement condition, can practise pouring a glass of water in the virtual world without dropping a drop in the actual world.

Senior lecturer, the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management, Strathclyde University, Andrew Wodehouse, stated: “The outcome of this project will make the long recovery process more engaging while permitting the patient’s performance to be recorded accurately, allowing specific and measurable goals to accelerate rehabilitation time. We are all looking forward to the completion of the project, as it will provide a significant milestone for interactive technology in improving physical health and performance.”