By combining exercise and fun, virtual reality fitness games can be an effective solution to motivate patients to rehabilitate after an accident, scientists say.
- Exergames, virtual reality fitness games, make exercise more motivating by immersing patients in a fun environment. Adaptable to different capacities, they are suitable for patients with movement restrictions.
- They also have effects on the mind. “Dissociation with the real environment promotes changes in brain chemistry, which could make rehabilitation more engaging and less stressful.”
- Used in addition to traditional care provided by physiotherapists, and under supervision, these tools could revolutionize rehabilitation with targeted adjustments.
Recovering from an injury with physical therapy can be a long and tedious process. Researchers at Northeastern University in Boston (United States) are currently exploring a promising alternative to help patients get involved: virtual reality (VR) fitness games, or “exergames”, a contraction of “exercise” and of “games”. These immersive technologies could revolutionize physical rehabilitation by combining exercise and pleasure, according to their study published in the journal Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction.
VR rehabilitation, benefits for body and mind
Researchers collaborated with physical therapists to evaluate the potential of Supernatural VR, a game offering exercises like lunges, squats and lateral movements synchronized to music. Patients choose a training mode (boxing, stretching, meditation or flow), guided by voice instructions from professional coaches.
These immersive exercises are particularly appealing to people with little gym motivation. By immersing players in an engaging virtual environment, exergames increase motivation and allow players to better overcome perceived physical limitations. Additionally, these games offer accessibility options to accommodate the needs of users with limited mobility. For example, certain movements can be modified or deleted to avoid inappropriate gestures.
Beyond the physical benefits, exergames also have an impact on mental health. According to scientists, VR changes patients’ perception of their physical abilities. This can positively influence their motivation and reduce psychological barriers often overlooked in rehabilitation. “Dissociation with the real environment promotes changes in brain chemistry, which could make rehabilitation more engaging and less stressful. This dual action on the body and mind constitutes a major advance in patient care”can we read in a press release.
The necessary expertise and presence of physiotherapists
Despite their potential, exergames still present major challenges. Most VR games are designed for general use and do not meet the specific needs of each patient. In addition, the lack of real-time feedback on posture or execution of movements limits their effectiveness and can even cause injuries. This is why these tools cannot, for the moment, replace the expertise of physiotherapists. “Professionals remain essential to correct movements and monitor progress”remind the researchers, believing that exergames must be integrated “in addition to traditional care, under medical supervision”.