With VirtualRehab® the physiotherapist is able to plan and edit the sessions which allows them to work the different affected functions of each patient through various videogames. VirtualRehab® is not only aimed at Multiple Sclerosis but also at other types of neurodegenerative, neuromuscular and neurovascular diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Stroke, dystrophies, and even at the elderly to help improve mobility. The solution was recently endorsed by the Spanish Society of Neurology, and to date, patients have logged more than 5.400 game sessions and over 500 hours on VirtualRehab®.
The clinical study was carried out with 20 Multiple Sclerosis patients who used VirtualRehab® twice per week during 4 months. Some of the highlights of the study were:
- 13% of the patients showed an improvement in the Functional Independence Measure scale (FIM®)
- 40% of patients improved their balance according to the Berg Scale
- 20 % of the patients had an improvement in the Tinetti scale, in both balance and gait.
- 47% of the patients showed improvements in their levels of fatigue.
Additionally, this study allowed produced other interesting data with 27% of the patients reducing their levels of anxiety and 13% reducing their levels of depression according to the HAD scale (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).
Regarding results with the game itself, 100% of the patients improved their times in finishing the games, 86% of them improved upon their scores and an 85% improved their percentage of accuracy of reaching targets.
The study concludes that VirtualRehab® is an effective tool combined with traditional rehabilitation for treating MS patients.
About VirtualRehab®
VirtualRehab® is a technological tool designed by experts in neurorehabilitation which enables the creation of physical rehabilitation training programs for patients with different degrees of physical disability.
By using virtual environments in a video game format combined with the Microsoft® Kinect® and the Microsoft® Azure® cloud platform, the patient can do physiotherapy exercises customized by their therapist both in the centre where they are being treated as well as do telerehabilitation in their own home. This technology allows the patient to be monitored remotely by their physiotherapist who evaluates their progress.
The patient interacts with the game in a 3D environment in which they exercise multiple combinations of movements without the need for any controller or sensor attached to their body. Each session is registered thanks to Azure, the Microsoft cloud platform allowing the patients the freedom to do their exercises at home or in a clinic. The results of their sessions are sent over the Internet to the data server located on the Azure cloud platform which incorporates the highest security measures necessary to house personal medical data.
VirtualRehab® exercises the affected functions (motor, coordination and cognitive to a lesser degree) in Neurodegenerative diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease), Neuromuscular disorders and Acquired Brain Injury.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.virtualrehab.info
About Virtualware Group
Virtualware Group is a business group of technology companies that specialize in the development of Hardware and Software solutions based on Immersive and Interactive technologies. We offer high-tech value-added solutions, products and services for culture, education, training and health through our offices in the United Kingdom, Spain, Latin America and the Middle East as well as through our partners around the world.
In the field of health, we develop technological solutions that help manage diseases in different areas including neurology, physiotherapy, psychology and others, paying special attention to helping groups with neurodegenerative and chronic diseases. Health specialists, patients, families and caregivers as well as patients associations all benefit from the use of these technologies in helping to manage diseases and disorders.