The Stroke Unit Team at Gateshead Health recently took a trip to PROTO in Gateshead to explore the potential uses of virtual reality (VR) in stroke rehabilitation. The team, who included Ruth Da Silva, Robert Hooks, Katherine Downies, and Beverley McClelland, were interested in understanding how this technology could help stroke patients recover by allowing them to perform tasks in a safe environment.
The team was given a demonstration by Luke Edmundson, a VR expert at PROTO. During the demonstration, they were able to see first-hand how VR technology can simulate real-world scenarios, making it possible for patients to practice tasks in a safe environment, which can help improve their motor function and cognitive abilities.
The Stroke Unit Team was impressed with the technology’s potential to improve patient outcomes. VR technology can help patients regain their confidence and independence, and it can also be used as a tool for cognitive rehabilitation. For example, VR technology can simulate everyday situations, such as grocery shopping or using public transportation, which can help patients re-learn how to perform these tasks in a safe and controlled environment.
Conor O’Neill, Innovation Manager at Gateshead Health said: “Thank you to PROTO for hosting the demonstration and for the invaluable insights into the technology. The team will be exploring this further to develop new and innovative approaches to stroke rehabilitation.”
