Summary
Who said that virtual reality is only for “Gamers” with an at sign? Once again, a scientific study has proven the benefits of this technology from a medical point of view.
Researchers at the University of Utah, USA have used it to see its effects on patients with Parkinson's disease. As a reminder, this causes tremors of the limbs, but above all a constant imbalance which regularly leads to falls. Daily life worsens as the disease attacks the muscles.
Parkinson's: virtual reality rehabilitation
Scientists have therefore developed a CAVE-type virtual reality system. This offers them a secure space to improve their muscle control and balance. The device benefited in particular from fall protection. Obviously, just trying out VR is not enough. These are 10 patients who benefited from a program spread over six weeks.
During three 30-minute sessions, they had to walk on a treadmill while avoiding obstacles in the virtual world. The more they got around the objects, the more they got bigger on the next turn. Roughly, you have to imagine the Google Chrome browser playing when it's offline, but projected onto a curved screen on the floor and ceiling.
Contrary to what one might think, researchers have noticed the beneficial effect of this VR therapy on Parkinson's patients. Instead of losing balance like some, they improved their muscle reactivity and their support. Observers have noted greater range of motion in the hip and ankle. This makes it easier for them to avoid falls.
The future: adapting technology to VR headsets
This research was presented between April 6 and 9, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Anatomists in Florida. The researchers hope the device will help patients reduce the number of falls. Well aware that Parkinson's is a progressive disease, they believe that such technology would improve the lives of those affected.
In addition, scientists do not want to limit themselves to the use of a CAVE system.. Indeed, this powerful virtual environment is expensive and requires special logistics. They plan to adapt their tool to VR headsets, which are easier to deploy to patients in healthcare centers.
Finally, the experts now want to compare the progress of Parkinson's patients who have completed the VR program with those who benefit from another method of rehabilitation, and those who do not at all.
