Researchers from Seoul National University Hospital and biotech venture TechVillage Co. had developed a program that can assist in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. (image: Seoul National University Hospital)
SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean researchers have developed a rehabilitation program using virtual reality (VR) to help stroke patients.
Researchers from Seoul National University Hospital and biotech venture TechVillage Co. announced on Thursday that they had developed a program that can assist in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.
As part of the program, stroke patients wear a helmet-shaped head-mounted display, which helps them use the paralyzed parts of the body through various VR games including hammering, catch-a-ball, cup pouring, touching bubbles, and playing a xylophone.
Nine stroke patients who tried out the program gave it an average score of 7 out of 10 points in terms of satisfaction, the research team said.
“The program may potentially be used in real treatment since the patients did not show any discomfort while trying it out,” said Prof. Seo Han-gil, head of the research team.
“A follow-up study is still required, however, to verify the effects by comparing with other rehabilitation programs.”
The study was published in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, an American journal on rehabilitation.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
