Written by: Dr. Saman

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has grown rapidly. What started as an entertainment tool has now become an integral part of various industries, including healthcare. In particular, VR in healthcare has shown great potential in revolutionizing rehabilitation by providing immersive and interactive experiences for patients.

With constant advancements in VR technology, new trends are emerging that have the potential to enhance its impact on rehabilitation further. Let's take a look at some of these emerging VR trends and their potential impact on the field of rehabilitation:

Smart Home and Wearable Technology

Like a changing tide, the healthcare sector is also shifting its focus beyond the traditional hospital, clinic, or rehab center environments. The innovation of 'hospital-at-home' first saw light in the 90s but got a significant boost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, this raised an important question—how can healthcare professionals keep track of their patients' recovery if they aren't visiting a rehab facility? The answer lies in the use of modern wearable technology.

The magic of wearable devices comes into play in cases like stroke rehabilitation. They offer a unique opportunity for rehab therapists to monitor and evaluate patients remotely. This not only saves time and resources but also provides meaningful insights into a patient's recovery journey, possibly revealing any hiccups or progress along the way.

However, the potential of this technology isn't just restricted to stroke rehabilitation. The tiny sensors of wearable devices can unlock the doors to "precision rehabilitation." This strategy ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs and at the perfect timing.

Tele-rehabilitation through VR

Tele-rehabilitation, also known as remote or distance rehab, delivers rehabilitation services remotely using telecommunication technologies. With the advent of VR, telerehabilitation has become more immersive and effective.

Patients can now receive therapy sessions from their own homes using VR technology, eliminating the need for frequent visits to a physical rehabilitation center. This trend not only makes rehabilitation more accessible but also reduces the cost and time associated with traditional in-person therapy.

These smart insoles can give instant feedback, allowing patients to tweak their movements right amid their actions. This enhances the quality of their movement and boosts the load-bearing capacity of their lower limbs. Plus, they can aid patients in following weight-bearing limitations, much like a friendly, real-time coach.

Similarly, another tool, force plates, acts almost like a therapist's sixth sense. They measure the pressure center of a patient, assisting therapists in identifying balance deficits or issues with posture stability.

Visualize it like a compass that could detect potential balance problems resulting from surgical procedures like hip osteoarthritis surgery. It's also helpful in identifying postural instabilities resulting from conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or diabetic neuropathy.

Haptic Feedback and Sensory Integration

Have you ever thought about the next big thing after visual and auditory immersion? It's tactile or haptic feedback. Imagine being able to feel the texture, pressure, and even shifts in temperature through your devices.

Dreaming about feeling the raindrops falling on your hand in a virtual reality rainforest? Or experiencing the kickback of a virtual gun? The magic word here is haptic feedback, and it's closer than you think.

For instance, there's this incredible company called Teslasuit. They've developed a full-body suit combining haptic feedback with motion capture and biometrics. This suit will truly give you a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience. Thanks to such cutting-edge technology, the virtual world can interact with us in ways we could only dream of before.

Gamification of Rehabilitation

Gamification is the process of incorporating game elements into non-game settings. In the field of rehabilitation, VR has made it possible to gamify exercise routines and activities, making them more engaging and enjoyable for patients. This trend has shown promising results in improving patient motivation and adherence to their neuro rehabilitation programs.

When it comes to physical therapy, introducing game elements such as levels and points can motivate patients to perform better. They progress further in levels and earn more points as they move correctly. This system of rewards keeps them engaged and motivated.

Phases like these always keep chapter updates in synch with patients' progress. As the patients rise and succeed in their respective levels, their tasks or challenges can become progressively harder. This way, their therapy grows and evolves with their recovery journey.

Video game technology presents a sea of opportunities. It can merge with virtual reality (VR) therapy or wearable devices. Just think about it - a fully immersive experience where you are not just playing a game but also improving your health!

These measures are not just tech-based solutions; they are essentially people-oriented. They strive to humanize the physical therapy process by making it more interactive, engaging, and, yes, entertaining!

Health and Safety Concerns

Let's just imagine you're engaged in a long VR session, but suddenly, you feel a little dizzy, your eyes are getting tired, and you're not comfortable. This is something many experience—from motion sickness to eye strain. But researchers have got your back!

They're tirelessly working to improve these issues with Physical therapy innovations like better methods of locomotion, adaptive rendering, and ergonomic designs. And yes, they are also addressing that pesky cybersickness issue, which is akin to motion sickness.

Now, for instance, let's discuss a technique called Veveated rendering. This technique eases your computer's workload by focusing on perfecting the details only in the area you're looking at. This relieves your eyes from much of the strain, making your VR experience smoother and more enjoyable.

AI-Assisted Healthcare

It's pretty common to find robots in sectors like manufacturing, but you'd be surprised to know they're also transforming healthcare in numerous ways.

Speaking of transformation, a 2021 survey in Healthcare (Basel) brought up the immense possibilities that assisting robotics brings to the table. The magic lies in their ability to enhance and fully utilize the functionalities of a limb. Plus, robots can offer relief from discomfort while enhancing torso control, which is essential in preventing any further injury.

Making strides with Prosthetic Technology

Smart prosthetics powered by robots could significantly improve the lives of patients with amputations. A recent study discovered how a regenerative peripheral nerve interface could generate intensified signals that result in precise prosthetic movements.

This amazing technology allows patients to control their artificial limbs in real time, enabling them to get a grip on fine motor skills like clenching a fist or picking up tiny items as part of their occupational therapy.

Exoskeleton Technology

Much like prosthetics, exoskeletons provide much-needed support and assistance to patients' muscles and joints. For example, suppose a patient struggles with motor or functional impairments. In that case, an exoskeleton can assist them with tasks like getting up from a sitting position or walking.

It's important to note that the current exoskeleton technology has limitations and can be expensive. But as we continue to make advancements in this field, we remain hopeful that these hurdles will become a thing of the past.

Weighing Equipment for Physical Therapy

For those with musculoskeletal injuries or disabilities, weight-bearing can be a real struggle. But necessity is the mother of invention. Thanks to some brilliant minds, weight-bearing limbs and body weight are slowly being introduced into exercise regimens. Innovative unweighting technologies reduce the risk of injury or falls during rehabilitation and physical therapy treatment. It's like paving a smoother pathway to recovery.

Now, you might be thinking about aquatic therapy or VR for physical therapy, which is indeed a wonderful option. However, the issue arises when we consider the fact that not every clinic has enough space or budget for an entire pool. Well, fear not. As the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way.

Here come anti-gravity treadmills. They are indeed the talk of the town in the world of medical tech. Their goal is to better the outcomes for patients recuperating from walking and running injuries.

So, how exactly does this treadmill work? Imagine being enclosed and supported from the waist down. You experience the same movements as running on the ground but with a significant reduction in impact.

This treadmill can remove up to 80% of a patient's body weight, drastically minimizing the likelihood of impact and preventing soft tissue injury. It's like getting a protective bubble around you while you regain your strength.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—some of the most groundbreaking technologies revolutionizing the field of physical therapy. From incorporating gamification to VR technology, AI assistance, and advanced equipment, these innovations are making physical therapy more effective, engaging, and accessible for patients.

Which one of these technologies are you most excited about? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's continue to explore and support VR technology to improve patient care and recovery.