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The use of technology in physiotherapy rehabilitation.

Bahcesehir university

GRADUATION PROJECT2023

Department of PHYSIOTHERAPY AND REHABILITATION

Sali Wafai 1900744

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Abstract

Physical therapy and rehabilitation help prevent and treat serious disabilities; therefore, physical

.therapy is essential to sustaining human health

Physical therapy has grown in importance as medicine has progressed, particularly with the use of

.technology and the advancement of medical research in this area

Physical therapy's role has grown in importance across all medical specialties due to the quick

advancement of medical knowledge and the creation of new treatment modalities. This includes

.pediatrics, neurology, geriatric medicine, cardiology, and orthopedic and neurological diseases

In order to guarantee a patient's motor and functional safety, rehabilitation treatment takes into

account their psychological, social, and health-related factors. It used to be an essential medical science

for individuals with mental illnesses and chronic illnesses. With the use of technology, physical therapy

and rehabilitation have recently improved by increasing blood flow and decreasing discomfort. This

covers the application of radiation, hot or cold-water therapies, and electric currents. Those with chronic

pain and disability can benefit most from mobility technology. Experts stress the value of physical

treatment and rehabilitation, though, before introducing devices gradually. Numerous illnesses and

.disabilities, including chronic ones, now have treatments thanks to developments in physical therapy

Keywords: Essential Health, physical therapy, rehabilitation, technology, treatment modalities .

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1. Introduction

Technology plays a pivotal role in modern physiotherapy rehabilitation, revolutionizing the way

patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or various physical conditions. From innovative

wearable devices to virtual reality systems and robotics, technology assists physiotherapists in

delivering personalized, efficient, and engaging rehabilitation programs. These advancements

not only aid in monitoring patients’ progress but also enhance treatment precision, offer

interactive exercises, promote patient engagement, and ultimately expedite the recovery

process. Integrating technology into physiotherapy not only optimizes therapeutic outcomes but

also empowers individuals to regain mobility, strength, and functionality more effectively.

2. Material and methods

2.1 VR Use in Physical Therapy

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative tool in the realm of physical therapy,

revolutionizing traditional rehabilitation methods. By leveraging immersive environments and

interactive simulations, VR technology offers a novel approach to enhance the efficacy and engagement

of physical therapy sessions. This innovative application of VR in rehabilitation aims to assist patients in

various ways, such as managing pain, improving mobility, enhancing balance and coordination,

facilitating neurological rehabilitation, customizing exercises, and fostering increased patient

participation and adherence to therapy routines.

The utilization of VR in physical therapy showcases immense potential in redefining the rehabilitation

landscape by providing personalized, engaging, and effective interventions to aid patients in their

journey toward recovery and improved functionality.

different types of Virtual Reality (VR) applications commonly used in physiotherapy:

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i. Immersive VR: This type of VR involves fully immersive experiences through headsets that cover
the user’s field of vision entirely. It transports patients into virtual environments, providing
simulations that mimic real-world scenarios. Immersive VR is used for pain distraction, gait
training, improving balance, and providing interactive rehabilitation exercises.
ii. Augmented Reality (AR): Unlike immersive VR, AR overlays digital information onto the real
world. It can be used in physiotherapy by projecting digital images or information onto the
patient’s physical surroundings. AR applications are useful for providing real-time feedback
during exercises, enhancing motor learning, and guiding movements.
iii. 360-Degree Videos: These videos offer a panoramic view of real-life environments or simulated
scenarios. They’re viewed through VR headsets or on a screen. Physiotherapy utilizes 360-
degree videos for exposure therapy, distraction during procedures, or engaging patients in
virtual environments for rehabilitation exercises.
iv. Exergaming: Combining exercise and gaming elements, exergaming involves interactive games
or simulations that require physical movement. Patients engage in activities that encourage
exercise and movement while immersed in a virtual environment. This type of VR is beneficial
for promoting physical activity and improving mobility.
v. Tele rehabilitation: VR technology allows for remote monitoring and guidance in physiotherapy
sessions. Patients can access rehabilitation exercises guided by a physiotherapist through VR
systems, promoting home-based therapy and ensuring consistent care.

Each of these types of VR applications in physiotherapy offers unique benefits, ranging from distraction
and pain management to personalized exercises, real-time feedback, and remote accessibility.
Therapists can choose the most suitable VR type based on the patient’s condition, rehabilitation goals,
and accessibility to technology.

Virtual Reality (VR) offers several advantages when used in physical therapy:

i. Enhanced Engagement: VR creates immersive environments that engage patients, making

therapy sessions more enjoyable and motivating. This increased engagement often leads to
improved patient compliance and better outcomes.
ii. Personalized Rehabilitation: VR allows therapists to customize exercises and scenarios based on
individual patient needs. This personalization helps in targeting specific areas for rehabilitation,
providing a tailored approach for each patient.
iii. Pain Distraction and Management: VR can serve as a distraction from pain during therapy
sessions by immersing patients in interactive and enjoyable experiences. This distraction can
reduce the perception of pain and discomfort, aiding in better rehabilitation.
iv. Real-time Feedback and Monitoring: VR systems can offer real-time feedback on a patient’s
movements and progress. Therapists can monitor and adjust exercises accordingly, ensuring
proper form and maximizing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process.
v. Safe Environment for Practice: VR creates a safe space for patients to practice movements or
scenarios that might otherwise pose a risk in the real world. This allows for risk-free repetition of
exercises, improving confidence and skills without the fear of injury.
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vi. Increased Motivation and Adherence: The immersive nature of VR makes repetitive exercises
more enjoyable and engaging, motivating patients to adhere to their therapy regimen. This
increased motivation often leads to better compliance and faster recovery.
vii. Accessible and Cost-effective: While traditional therapy methods might be limited by resources
or accessibility, VR technology can be more accessible and cost-effective in the long run, offering
a wider reach for patients in need of rehabilitation services.

is VR Safe in Physical Therapy?

VR is a very new kind of rehab therapy, and there isn't much data to support its safety or efficacy. Early

research indicates that there is little danger while doing physical therapy. However, reduced field of

vision and changed reality may raise the risk of falls and cause impairments to movement. Because

physical therapists are trained to keep patients safe throughout treatment, they can modify their

treatment plan if a patient feels uncomfortable during VR rehab or during any other aspect of the

therapy program.

2.2 Motion Capture and Video Biofeedback

The public may now freely access video motion capture tools. Real-time biomechanical models are
created by smartphone applications using machine learning algorithms and high-speed video.
The affordability and compact design of IMU sensors, which include GPS, gyroscopes, and

accelerometers, have made it possible to execute precise 3-dimensional motion capture in a field or
medical setting.
The technology's first clinical application was restricted to routinely assessing patients with uniform
motions.But with the help of these technologies, we can now measure and see movement in real time
while performing rehabilitation activities.
It is possible to employ this technology as biofeedback by include the patient in this real-time
examination of their movement.
Real-time video or motion capture in the form of biofeedback can help patients become more conscious
of their movement signature.Using live motion capture screens, patients may adjust or correct
theirmovements in response to prompts from the physician. Similar to bar charts for range of
motion,graphic summaries of movement provide patients easy goals to meet while performing
rehabilitation activities. According to preliminary studies, biofeedback has a larger motor learning
impact than traditional physical therapy, enabling patients to aim for knee symmetry in both damaged
and uninjured knees.

3 Results
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Figure 1.

Regarding Virtual Reality (VR) use in physical therapy, it has shown significant promise in revolutionizing
rehabilitation by providing engaging, personalized, and effective interventions. VR offers enhanced
engagement, personalized rehabilitation programs, pain distraction, real-time feedback, and monitoring.
It also creates a safe environment for practice, increases motivation and adherence to therapy, and is
potentially cost-effective and accessible. However, limited data exist on its safety and efficacy, with
potential risks related to altered reality and reduced field of vision that may increase the risk of falls or
impair movement.

Motion capture and video biofeedback tools, now accessible to the public, enable real-time
biomechanical modeling and precise 3D motion capture using IMU sensors. These advancements allow
for the measurement and real-time examination of movement during rehabilitation activities.
Biofeedback through live motion capture screens helps patients become more aware of their movement
patterns, enabling adjustments and corrections. Preliminary studies suggest that biofeedback has a
greater impact on motor learning compared to traditional physical therapy, aiding patients in achieving
symmetry in damaged and uninjured knees.
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Figure 2.

Overall, these advancements in VR in physical therapy, and motion capture with biofeedback show
promising potential for improving assessment, rehabilitation, and patient outcomes in the field of
musculoskeletal medicine and physical therapy.

Discussion .4

virtual reality (VR) demonstrates promising advancements in rehabilitation and physical therapy.

i. VR Use in Physical Therapy: Virtual Reality offers personalized, engaging, and effective

interventions for rehabilitation. It enhances patient engagement, enables personalized

exercises, distracts from pain, provides real-time feedback, creates a safe practice

environment, boosts motivation, and is relatively cost-effective. However, while

promising, VR therapy is relatively new, with limited data supporting its safety and

efficacy. There’s a potential risk of falls or altered movement perception, but therapists

can modify treatment plans to ensure patient safety.

ii. Motion Capture and Video Biofeedback: This technology offers real-time, precise 3D

motion capture in medical settings. It engages patients by involving them in monitoring

their movement, allowing for adjustments and corrections during rehabilitation

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activities. Biofeedback through live motion capture screens helps patients become more

aware of their movement patterns, aiding in motor learning and providing achievable

goals for rehabilitation.

Overall, these technologies show immense promise in improving rehabilitation outcomes, although

ongoing research is needed to further establish their safety, efficacy, and optimal integration into clinical

practice.

5. Conclusion

advancements in rehabilitation technologies such as virtual reality (VR) in physical therapy, and

motion capture with video biofeedback are transforming the landscape of injury assessment,

personalized treatment, and patient engagement.

VR in physical therapy presents an innovative approach by providing personalized, engaging

exercises, distraction from pain, real-time feedback, and a safe environment for practice. Despite its

promising advantages, the safety and efficacy of VR therapy require further exploration.

Motion capture technology coupled with video biofeedback enables real-time, precise

monitoring of movements during rehabilitation activities. This engages patients in their recovery

process, enhancing motor learning and providing achievable goals for rehabilitation.

While these technologies offer promising avenues for improving rehabilitation outcomes,

ongoing research is crucial to better understand their safety, efficacy, and optimal integration into

clinical practice. Embracing these advancements can revolutionize the field of rehabilitation, offering

more effective, personalized, and engaging approaches to aid patients on their journey to recovery and

improved functionality.
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