Virtual Reality for Neurorehabilitation: Insights from Three European Clinics

Publication date: Available online 16 August 2018Source: PM&RAuthor(s): Owen O’Neil, Manuel Maurie Fernandez, Jürgen Herzog, Marta Beorchia, Valerio Gower, Furio Gramatica, Klaus Starrost, Lorenz KiwullAbstractVirtual reality for the treatment of motor impairment is a burgeoning application of digital technology in neurorehabilitation. Virtual reality systems pose an opportunity for healthcare providers to augment the dose of task orientated exercises delivered both in the clinic, and via telerehabilitation models in the home. The technology is almost exclusively applied as an adjunct to traditional approaches and is typically characterised by the use of gamified exergames which feature task orientated physiotherapy exercises. At present, evidence for the efficacy of this technology is sparse with some reviews suggesting it is the same or no better than conventional approaches. The purpose of this article is to provide real world insights on the adoption of a virtual reality by three European clinics in three different service delivery models. These include: an inpatient setting for Parkinson’s Disease, a kiosk model for paediatric neurorehabilitation and a home based telerehabilitation model for neurological patients. Motivations, settings, requirements for the pathology, outcomes and challenges encountered during this process are reported with the objective of priming clinicians on what to expect when implementing virtual reality in neurorehabilitation.

Source: PMandR - August 16, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research