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Transformation of Reality: How virtual reality helps military personnel overcome phantom pain

Transformation of Reality: How virtual reality helps military personnel overcome phantom pain
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Ukrainian company ADVIN has developed the VRNOW simulator—a medical simulator in virtual reality with patented and certified mechanics of neurorehabilitation physical exercises for patients who have musculoskeletal disorders, have suffered mine-explosive injuries, and suffer from phantom pains due to amputations. According to the developers, clinical evaluations demonstrate that VR rehabilitation enhances motor functions in patients by 20%, alleviates phantom pain in amputees by 41%, and accelerates functional recovery by 31%.

 

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Thanks to special sensory sensors and a tracking system installed on the body, control and transmission of all patient movements in VR occur. In the virtual environment, the patient can perform physical, cognitive, and occupational therapy exercises using a 3D avatar. In VirtualLimb Mode, the simulator improves the condition and reduces the level of pain sensations. A patient with an amputated limb sees its realistic full appearance on their 3D avatar in virtual space and performs specialized exercises.

 

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Overall, VRNOW includes several virtual environments for rehabilitation: a training room, a sports hall, and a kitchen. This year, they will also finalize the development of a rowing alloy along the Dnipro River with various types of rowing.

 

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It is known that the simulator has obtained a certificate of conformity. Therefore, it can be used in state and private medical institutions in the country. Currently, VRNOW has already been installed in rehabilitation centers, including the "Path to Health" center in Dnipro. In addition, medical centers such as Unbroken, "Modrichi," as well as 4 municipal hospitals in Dnipro city, have expressed readiness to include VRNOW in rehabilitation programmes.

 

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