In the corridors of the Saint-Jacques hospital in Nantes, a small revolution is underway. Virtual reality is invading rehabilitation sessions, offering patients a new way of regaining mobility and overcoming pain. More than just a gadget, this technology is establishing itself as a genuine therapeutic ally.
Immersive exercises for more engaging rehabilitation
The idea is simple: immerse patients in a virtual universe where every movement is accompanied by real-time visual feedback. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment, such as an intelligent treadmill and an innovative body weight support, rehabilitation sessions become more dynamic and motivating.
Among the many benefits observed:
- Better pain management thanks to the distraction offered by the virtual environment.
- Reduced fear of movement in trauma patients.
- Increased motivation thanks to video-game-like exercises.
An inspiring approach
The Saint-Jacques Hospital initiative has not gone unnoticed. The start-up H’ability, which specializes in the integration of VR in medicine, has joined forces with the project to push back the boundaries of conventional rehabilitation even further.
Elsewhere in the world, this trend is gaining momentum. In the USA, some clinics are already using VR to support veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. Nantes, on its own scale, is part of a dynamic of innovation that could well redefine the way we approach rehabilitation.
Another step towards a future where medicine and technology move forward hand in hand.
