Virtual reality… How is it used for Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is using advanced technology to become more innovative and creative, especially with patients who have suffered from a neurological event. One of the biggest ways that technology is driving rehabilitation is through virtual reality.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) is the ability to use computer generated technology to create different environments so that a user can be immersed into a 3D environment. When we think about VR being used in rehabilitation there are two major types that are used, Immersive virtual reality and non-immersive virtual reality.

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) is the ability to completely immerse a person inside of a computer-generated world. This allows the user to feel like they usually feel in everyday life.

Non-immersive Virtual Reality (NVR) is a type of the virtual reality technology that provides users with a computer-generated environment without a feeling of being immersed in the virtual world.

How can VR be beneficial for rehabilitation?

Virtual reality technology reinforces voluntary repetition and task-oriented practice, both of which are key ingredients in motor recovery after a neurological event. Individuals can be engaged in a high intensity, high repetition programs early in their recovery when cortical reorganization is at its peak. VR has the ability to engage any person of any age. It provides the versatility to allow patients to adapt and use the key principles of neuroplasticity such as use it to improve it. Non-immersive VR allows for the ability of robotics to engage a patient in beneficial movements to allow for high repetitions that are needed to retrain the brain. It also allows for a low impact therapy plan for patients who may be dealing with underlying conditions. VR has given the ability to change rehabilitation because it allows for the translation of user movement to occupational activities or simulations when the patient does not yet have the capacity to participate in the actual activities.

–Ashley Gatewood MOT, OTR/L