4: VR Flashcards
What is VR
The use of computer technology to create a simulated environment where users are immersed and can interact within a 3D world; it aims to simulate as many senses as possible providing a holistic and immersive experience.
What is AR
It is a type of VR technology that uses sensors and algorithms to determine the position and orientation of a camera; it overlays computer-generated images onto the real-world view of the camera simulating artificial objects in the real environment.
What is mixed reality?
It is another type of VR technology that combines virtual and real elements allowing users to interact with both digital and physical objects in real time.
What are some applications of VR in physical therapy?
- Pain management: VR is used to relieve pain from various conditions and medical procedures. It helps dampen pain signals and provides distraction for pain thus speeding up recovery times for treatments and conditions while empowering patients to learn transferrable pain management skills.
- Phantom limb: VR therapy, such as virtual mirror therapy, is beneficial for amputees experiencing severe pain in their missing limb. It uses visual feedback to reduce pain sensations and improve motor function in the phantom limb. VR is used instead of traditional mirror therapy as it provides more immersive and realistic visual feedback and it can help improve engagement and adherence to the therapy by changing virtual environments.
- Burn patients: VR, such as the “Snow World” program, is used to help burn patients control extreme burn-related pain. It assists in rehabilitation exercises, provides psychological support (relaxation therapy), and improves patients’ attitudes about wound care and therapy.
How is VR used in physical therapy?
VR can be used to track bodily movement; patients undergoing PT can use movements of their therapy exercises as interactions in a VR game - ex. lifting an arm above their head to catch a virtual ball
- VR exercise is also more fun than exercising in a hospital/gym thus motivating them to adhere to their therapy plans
-VR environment can also be controlled to reduce anxiety; patients can pick up their walking speed without even realising it as they’re distracted by the interactions of vr thus walking faster isn’t associated with pain making it easier and more motivating
VR in Physical Therapy - Evaluation (feng et al)
Study Aim: The aim of this study conducted by Feng et al. in 2019 was to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) on balance and gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Study Design: The study followed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, with a total of 28 patients participating. These patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=14) or the control group (n=14).
Intervention and Control Groups: In the intervention group, the patients received VR training, while the control group received conventional physical therapy. The VR training sessions were conducted for 45 minutes, five days a week, over a period of 12 weeks.
Pre- and Post-Rehabilitation Assessments: The researchers assessed the participants’ balance and gait abilities both before and after the rehabilitation period. This allowed them to compare the effectiveness of VR training versus conventional physical therapy.
Results: The study found that the patients who underwent VR training showed significantly better performance in terms of balance and gait compared to those who received conventional physical therapy. This suggests that VR rehabilitation may be more effective in improving these aspects for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Overall, this study provides evidence supporting the use of virtual reality as a rehabilitation tool for balance and gait improvement in Parkinson’s disease patients. By comparing the outcomes of VR training with conventional physical therapy, the study suggests that VR-based interventions can lead to more positive results. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on the potential benefits of VR technology in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for various conditions.
What are some applications of VR in exposure therapy?
VRET is a form of therapy where patients are exposed to virtual environments that resemble feared real-life situations. It is used to treat phobias, such as fear of heights or spiders, and to help recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
VRET provides a standardized approach to treatment, ensuring consistent and effective exposure therapy. It can also be personalized to the patient’s specific fears or anxieties, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness.
VR in exposure therapy - Evaluation morina et al
Meta-analysis studies, like Morina et al (2015), have shown that VRET can produce significant behavioral changes in real-life situations, supporting its application in treating specific phobias.
What are some applications of VR in mental health?
VR therapy delivered through vr headsets can be used to reduce anxiety and provide support for patients by immersing them in computer-generated simulations. It helps patients develop techniques to overcome difficulties and provides a calming and stress-reducing experience.
VR in mental health - evaluation Chang-Hoon Koo et al
Studies, such as Chang-Hoon Koo et al have demonstrated that VR can significantly reduce anxiety in surgical patients, improving their overall hospital experience and feelings of relaxation.
What are applications of VR in education?
VR in Education: VR is utilized in educational settings to enhance learning experiences by providing immersive and interactive simulations. It enables students to explore virtual worlds, conduct virtual experiments, and engage in experiential learning.
VR in Training and Skills Development: VR-based training programs are used to simulate real-world scenarios and provide hands-on practice in various fields, such as aviation, medicine, and military. It allows for safe and cost-effective training with realistic simulations.
VR in Architectural and Design Visualization: VR technology is employed in architecture and design to create immersive experiences that allow clients and professionals to visualize and experience virtual representations of buildings, interiors, and spaces.
VR in education - evaluation kyaw et al
Study Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) for educating health professionals and improving their knowledge, cognitive skills, attitudes, and satisfaction.
Results:
Meta-Analysis (MA) of 8 studies: VR slightly improves post-intervention knowledge scores compared to traditional learning methods.
Meta-Analysis (MA) of 4 studies: VR improves health professionals’ cognitive skills compared to traditional learning methods.
Findings for attitudes and satisfaction were inconclusive, meaning there was no clear evidence of improvement or decline.
No studies reported patient-related outcomes, behavior change, or unintended or adverse effects of VR.
This systematic review and meta-analysis provides insights into the effectiveness of VR in educating health professionals. It suggests that VR interventions can lead to better knowledge acquisition and improved cognitive skills compared to traditional learning methods. However, further research is needed to determine the impact of VR on attitudes, satisfaction, patient-related outcomes, behavior change, and potential unintended or adverse effects
