Virtual reality system helps Indy patients recover

Patients can now improve their functional skills virtually during physical therapy.

Wildwood Health Care Center in Indianapolis is the first place in the state to use OmniVR, a virtual rehabilitation system, with patients, Wildwood Rehab Manager Kelly Wunderly said.

“Therapists love it, and patients adore it,” she said. “The system rewards behavior and doesn’t say you lost because that is not what it is about.”

The system is used by Wildwood patients 20 to 30 times a day and is available to all patients based on their therapist’s clinical judgment, Wunderly said.

OmniVR has six different skilled exercise modes developed for the lower-functioning patients to help them improve functional skills during physical therapy.

The modes are seated exercise, wheelchair propulsion and control, upper extremity, balance, walking and cardiovascular.

“It has been very successful,” she said. “It works on everything from balance to core strength.”

Three-dimensional cameras recreate the patients’ movements in an interactive way to improve motivation and outcomes, Wunderly said.

“Every day they are coming out with new ones,” Wunderly said.

The geriatric-friendly system, unlike the Wii gaming system, doesn’t require the patient to hold a control, Wunderly said.

“They don’t have to use a controller,” she said. “They just use their body and can also use a walker for balance.”

The virtual system was designed specifically for the needs of geriatric patients and more medically complex conditions.

“The system helps the patient get back to their functional level prior to the medical issue,” Wunderly said.