The Use of Virtual Reality Goggles as a Complementary Method in Upper Limb Injury Rehabilitation

In recent years, the use of immersive technologies in rehabilitation has grown rapidly. Virtual reality enables patients to practice motor tasks in a safe, gamified environment. This activates the neuromuscular system while reducing psychological stress and pain, whereas traditional, repetitive exercises can quickly become exhausting and demotivating for patients.

This is particularly crucial for patients with severe injuries, chronic pain, and peripheral nerve damage. The objective of this case study was to evaluate the efficacy of the VR Vitalis® technology in extremely challenging diagnoses: military personnel recovering from blast and gunshot trauma.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study—a collaborative effort involving the renowned Sytenko Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology (Kharkiv)—monitored four soldiers with severe, devastating upper limb injuries (fractures, nerve damage, muscle contractures, and post-explosion bone defects). The rehabilitation program combined conventional physical therapy with training in a virtual environment using the VR Vitalis® system. Patients practiced coordination, grip strength, and range of motion in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints through simulations of everyday activities.

Fascinating Results After Two Weeks of Exercise

After just two weeks of regular training with virtual reality goggles, all patients experienced massive progress:

Massive Increase in Muscle Strength: The most significant effect of the technology was observed in strength recovery. In a patient with fractures and nerve damage, finger flexor strength increased by an incredible 100%. In another patient with a complex gunshot injury to the hand and multiple surgeries, grip strength actually tripled (a 200% increase).

Improved Range of Motion: Muscle rigidity was reduced and the range of motion expanded (e.g., wrist flexion or shoulder rotation increased by tens of degrees). Particularly in the most severe injuries (gunshot wounds with embedded metal fragments), this restoration of mobility was crucial.

Psychological Reboot: The positive progress was not limited to the physical realm. The patients (soldiers) were enthusiastic about the gamified elements and real-time visual feedback, which vividly displayed their progress. They were highly motivated, fully engaged, and enjoyed the VR training so much that they subsequently showed greater willingness to participate in traditional physical exercises as well.

Conclusion for Practice

This study unequivocally confirms that the VR Vitalis® system is an extraordinarily effective tool even in the most severe areas of traumatology and orthopedics. It enhances the connection between the brain and muscles, significantly accelerates the recovery of physical strength, and restores lost motivation for treatment in patients with devastating injuries.

Study Authors: N. Prytula, V. Staude, O. Zemlyana, I. Subbota, O. Kuznetsov (Sytenko Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology, Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine)

Published in: Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Prosthetics (2026)

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