Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

balderdash9 t1_iwzuam2 wrote

What are the pros and cons of VR software over more traditional methods of brain trauma rehabilitation?

103

EzekielNOR OP t1_ix00kp2 wrote

With our VR Games / Software we pull the users out of hospitals and onto a tropical resort - we mimic movement and exercises that are beneficial to patients through fun activities. Our patients report that it's exciting, and that they forget that they are in a hospital - every one of our 25 patients reported it didn't feel like rehabilitation.

In short - they had fun. :)

Hour to Hour - initial VR research shows the same results as normal training, however we see a much lower drop-off rate from rehabilitation using games vs traditional methods. (Upwards 200% better engagement in some cases).

There is still a lot of research to be done and peer reviewed in general on VR - but it is a promising avenue - and the patients love it.

VR also has a painkilling effect, most likely related to the immersion that it brings. "Most" people forget their location awareness after 30-60 seconds.

245

Unlucky_Win_7349 t1_ix0mbny wrote

How do you deal with taking them out of that vr-environment? I assume there's a method to it but I can't imagine how you'd execute that. How do you go about that and why?

Not part of my question, but I study learning and development and digital solutions are very interesting to me, so this is very inspiring. I appreciate you for the work you do and I hope that I can at one point be part of something similar.

32

EzekielNOR OP t1_ix0n26t wrote

Re-adjustment to "real life" is rather quick - some patients may be disoriented for a few seconds (adjusting to light, space) but nothing serious. Out of our 25 patients we had no one suffer dizziness or falling during or after gameplay.

Most patients are helped with donning the VR kit, and also helped with taking it off. There is always a therapist within arm's reach in case of any issues. Many patients also play seated, while other prefer standing.

68

Dragon_yum t1_ix1gkn5 wrote

Not much to add but this is really awesome.

11