When virtual reality helps physical therapists and patients in rehabilitation centers

This technology is usually used in large urban centers. And in Saint-Medard-de-Musidane in Dordogne, a rehabilitation center has also been equipped with virtual reality to help elderly patients progress. The results are sensitive

Half of her face is hidden by her futuristic helmet, headphones are stuck to her ears, and Christine is cutting virtual orange slices like a real samurai. Although she looks like she's having a lot of fun, it's all part of her therapy. She is one of the patients Medical Care and Rehabilitation Center From the Château de Bassy, ​​in Saint-Médard de Mussidan in the Dordogne.

Specializing in the management of cases of elderly people dependent on multiple diseases or at risk of addiction, Château de Bassy has equipped itself with this new device to help patients get better results in rehabilitation. ” It's different because we project ourselves into reality. toThe rest, we do it naturally!“The patient explains, seeming pleased with her virtual exploits.”The important thing is that we forget our pain over time.“

Muscle control, proprioception, coordination, muscle strengthening and reflexes, the device allows a full range of exercises adapted to the needs. Adapted physical activity teacher Marc Bono explains that the device is not enough on its own. “It is always supplemented by classical rehabilitation. And after us, we know that compared to patients who didn't use VR, since we've had VR, we've been able to see very significant progress, especially in terms of balance.“.

The interest is to be able to provide patients in the Dordogne with a medical device that we will already find in the big cities.

Cecile Avril, Head of Technical Platform

This technology is not really modern, but so far it has only been equipped in the best-equipped healthcare centers. “We have several rehabilitation centers that specialize in neurology, fractures, and back surgeries, where we will have high-tech equipment and not necessarily have it in smaller rehabilitation centers that accommodate a slightly older population.“, explains Cecile Avril, head of the technical platform.

Aside from physical rehabilitation, virtual reality headsets are becoming an increasing part of the non-pharmacological arsenal available to professionals. For example, they help fight the effects of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Some centers use it to immerse patients in an audio-visual environment with the aim of treating anxiety and pain disorders, and stimulating health and cognitive function.

These headsets can also allow future patients, before transfer, to discover their new institution. Finally, in some nursing homes, virtual reality is being used to provide residents with a walk on the beach, a visit to Mount Saint-Michel, a short gondola ride in Venice or a skydive. Cheaper, easier and above all less risky than in reality.