One of the major rehabilitation challenges for older stroke victims is re-learning how to walk. A new system, designed by a former chiropractor and current University of Portsmouth Ph.D. student Wendy Powell, aims to change that with an innovative virtual reality system, used in conjunction with a treadmill.
As patients walk on a standard treadmill, moving images projected onto a screen in front of them attempt to trick their brains into thinking that they are walking at a slower rate than they are actually walking. This reduces fear of falling and gradually encourages them to walk faster, increasing endurance and speed. The system is expected to enhance speed, endurance, and strength among stroke victims. Clinical trials are being conducted with a research team from Canada's McGill University.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Ditto!
Researchers from Australia have designed a new tool in the quest to bring pain relief to burn victims. The project, lead by Dr. Sam Bucolo, involves a hand-held circular device which engages children as they get their burn dressings changed. Previous work for burn victims has involved goggles, headsets, or other types of immersive virtual reality settings, but this device, Ditto, is designed specifically for small children, aged three to eight. Preliminary data indicate that Ditto can engage children in less than a minute and keep them preoccupied throughout a full bandage replacement, which typically takes around 20 minutes. The results also show that Ditto had more success reducing pain scores during treatment as opposed to traditional distraction tools, such as videos or computer games. Clinical trials are underway, and Ditto is expected to be released for commercial use within the year.
- ScienceAlert Article
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
