Case studies

For us at the Neurological Clinic of the University Hospital Ostrava and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ostrava, cooperation with VR Vitalis® is a natural part of our scientific and research activities focused on innovative approaches in neurorehabilitation. The results of our studies in patients after a stroke confirm that virtual reality is not just a technological novelty, but a clinically relevant tool with a demonstrable impact on patients' motor and cognitive functions, their motivation, and quality of life. In my opinion, VR rehabilitation is one of the most significant examples of how digital technology can meaningfully enter everyday clinical practice—not as a replacement for a doctor or therapist, but as an effective complement to comprehensive care (not only) for neurological patients.

"Since 2020, a multidisciplinary team of experts, mainly from the Faculty of Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Psychology, Neurosurgery and Neurology at OSU and Ostrava University Hospital, has been collaborating with VR VITALIS, developing therapeutic modules using VR technology for patients primarily with disabilities of the nervous and musculoskeletal system. These are mainly patients with neurodegenerative diseases, post-ictal, post-traumatic conditions and psychological disorders. The team's results, supported by a national project, demonstrate the potential of VR as a suitable adjunct to complex therapy for these patients of all ages in health and social care settings. At the same time, we create simulations of neurosurgical operations using VR technology. I see potential in teaching medics and aspiring surgeons. It can complement, for example, anatomical knowledge and teaching of surgical procedures on cadavers. Numerous international studies have shown that training in VR significantly shortens the learning curve compared to a control group without VR. We see its potential in improving the quality of treatment procedures in parallel with a more efficient use of the economic resources invested in treatment and education."

"The use of virtual reality in physiotherapy allows targeted activity in a simulated environment of a fictional world to perform activities leading to the strengthening of neural pathways. VR LIFE has implemented a set of exercises that significantly supports the restoration or strengthening of motor or cognitive functions and the activation of brain centres. Based on my professional experience, I believe in the positive impact of these exercises for each indicated patient."

"Virtual reality in medicine is dynamically expanding its scope, both in education and in medical practice. A great benefit is seen in neurorehabilitation, where its effect has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies. Virtual reality environment enriched with gaming elements is very motivating for patients and mistakes made during the exercise are immediately visible and can be corrected right away. Feedback control, the possibility of escalating load and high task repetition are key factors to improve motor learning and promote neuro-plastic changes in the brain. In addition, everyday activities can be practiced in a real-world-like environment. The already started cooperation of our clinic with VR VITALIS in a joint project seems to be very promising, as the combination of conventional rehabilitation and virtual reality training has proven to be beneficial for neurorehabilitation."

"The use of virtual reality in rehabilitation has great potential and I believe that in the future we will encounter it more and more often. As an occupational therapist, I have had the opportunity to try VR LIFE's programs with patients after CMP, shoulder trauma, peripheral paresis, Alzheimer's disease and spinal injuries. Based on my previous experience, subjective evaluation of patients and the results of standardized tests, I can confirm that virtual reality exercises positively affect the motor and cognitive functions of patients and thus contribute to a better quality of life. At the same time, it changes the emotional mood and positively motivates patients to be active. It's a therapy that patients always look forward to."