Virtual reality games to help patients' rehabilitation in UAE

The AI system is already in use in Ras Al Khaimah Physiotherapy and Sports Centre and will be rolled out soon in all ministry hospitals.

Games developed specially for rehabilitation in physiotherapy for patients of stroke, cerebral palsy and similar conditions, will be used by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) as it rolls out use of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in hospitals.
The AI system is already in use in Ras Al Khaimah Physiotherapy and Sports Centre and will be rolled out soon in all other ministry hospitals. "Games are developed for rehab of such patients, for both children and adults, especially those suffering from cerebral palsy and motor delay conditions," Dr Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, assistant undersecretary for the hospital sector, told Khaleej Times.
"The AI system is composed of three parts - a TV set, a sensory kinetic bar and an X-Box linked with these. Specific games are used to assess how cognitive a patient is," he said.
A therapist will always be present to monitor these sessions of patients and will assess their conditions accordingly, he added.
He also explained the advantages of VR using AI in physiotherapy to provide treatment. "This will allow the patient to complete the treatment at his/her home with the possibility of remote rehabilitation," he said.
"In the treatment of stroke, the virtual reality system evaluates and enhances the recovery of the affected upper parts, in addition to the training for the walking device used for rehabilitation.
"The patient moves at a speed on the motion platform with changing virtual environments being displayed on the front screen to simulate daily activities. In the treatment of the balance disorder, virtual reality is a safe and effective alternative to conventional therapy to improve the balance in patients," he said. "Patients have reported that they enjoyed VR therapy without suffering from side effects, and with increased motivation.
"This technique is also used to treat children with developmental disorders, including positive developments in both perceived and performance capabilities in areas of daily activities including social activities that they have not been able to do before."
The virtual therapy also assists cerebral palsy patients in the reorganisation of the brain and movement ability and visual cognitive skills, in addition to social participation and personal factors.

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