Over recent years, the integration of virtual reality technology has become prevalent across various healthcare facilities. Its implementation has been found to enhance and accelerate the rehabilitation of patients afflicted with neurological or orthopedic conditions, among other affections.
However, which virtual reality system can be more beneficial for the patient? In this article by Kinesix VR, we offer a comparison of virtual reality games for physiotherapy versus immersive personalized exercises.
How does VR work in neurorehabilitation for motor skills recovery?
Several studies have suggested that immersive virtual reality offers significant benefits for neurorehabilitation. This efficacy is due to its ability to replicate daily life scenarios and enhance the activation of neurons, through a wide range of environments and exercises that can be simulated on these platforms to perform therapeutic activities.
Additionally, virtual reality is not only focused on physical recovery but also stimulates cognitive aspects such as attention and perception, which promotes neuroplasticity.
Virtual Reality Games for Physical Therapy
VR games for physiotherapy are preset programs used to motivate patients during their therapeutic exercises. These games are designed by multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation experts.
Their main advantage is that they transform the exercise routine into a playful and engaging activity, which can increase patient adherence to treatment.
These games often include challenges and levels adapted to the patient's ability, allowing progressive progress. For example, for a patient recovering from a stroke, the game may include activities that promote hand-eye coordination and balance.
In addition, the immediate feedback provided by the system helps patients better understand their performance and progress.
Personalized Immersive Exercises
On the other side, immersive personalized exercises in VR focus on creating virtual environments specifically tailored to the needs of each patient, as well as being playful and integrating several of the exercise components of virtual reality games. Although unlike VR games, they are prescribed directly by a healthcare professional.
This customization can be particularly beneficial for patients with specific conditions or unique limitations. For example, a patient with a knee injury may require a very different set of exercises than someone recovering from shoulder surgery.
Therefore, exercises can be adjusted in every aspect of the virtual environment, from the intensity and type of exercise to the visual and auditory environment, to further support the rehabilitation process.
Transforming Motor Rehabilitation: The Digital Therapeutics Revolution
Digital therapeutics, often abbreviated as DTx, refers to the use of digital technologies to treat, manage, or prevent diseases or medical conditions.
This area is constantly evolving and includes a wide range of digital applications and devices, such as mobile apps, wearables, virtual reality platforms, and specialized software. These tools are used both independently and in conjunction with traditional medical treatments.
Digital therapeutics in the field of motor rehabilitation represent a true revolution, ushering in a new era in the treatment of patients who have suffered brain injury or damage. But what makes DTx so crucial in this field?
Patient-Centered Innovation
The key to DTx lies in its innovative and personalized approach, which uses advanced technologies such as virtual reality. This approach is not only based on the latest scientific evidence but also focuses on the specific needs of each patient. The goal is to facilitate a recovery that is both cost-effective and efficient.
Personalization and Precision: The Heart of Treatment
One of the greatest benefits of DTx is its ability to customize and personalize treatments. Each patient faces unique challenges on their recovery journey, and DTx allows you to tailor exercises and therapies to their specific needs, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment.
Motivation and Commitment: Keys to Recovery
Patient motivation and commitment are essential for a successful recovery. DTx, with its interactive and engaging approach, encourages greater patient involvement in their rehabilitation process. This not only enhances the treatment experience but can also accelerate recovery.
Global and Remote Access: Breaking Barriers
Another groundbreaking aspect of DTx is its capacity to offer remote access to rehabilitation therapies, especially beneficial for patients in remote areas or those facing mobility challenges. This approach democratizes the availability of high-quality treatment, enabling a broader population to access advanced therapies.
Real-Time Data Collection: Towards More Efficient Processing
DTx's ability to collect and analyze data in real-time is a significant advance. This data collection allows therapists to monitor patient progress more effectively and adjust treatments as needed, ensuring more personalized and efficient care.
While VR games provide a playful and motivational experience that can increase treatment adherence, immersive personalized exercises offer deeper customization specific to each patient's individual needs.
At Kinesix VR, we invite you to explore the world of neurorehabilitation, through a range of customized immersive exercises designed to suit the needs of your patients and therapists.
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