Virtual surfing used in physical therapy
Posted on Feb 17th 2007 4:12PM by Jonathon Morgan
Virtual reality surfing and jogging is being used to help physiotherapy patients regain their balance and, in some cases, find the confidence to walk again.
A new system developed by MOTEK, an Israeli motion simulation company, allows technicians to modify the size of the waves and the wind speed as they put patients through their paces on an imaginary ocean.
While this marks the first time this particular system has been used in medical treatments, virtual reality has been utilized by doctors for some time. It's used to help patients overcome phobias by simulating the feared experience, to aid combat soldiers in overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder, or even to distract patients undergoing chemotherapy.
So far, the MOTEK system seems to be producing better and faster results. However, it's important to note that virtual reality cannot replace the healing process, only assist it.












