Assessment, rehabilitation and therapy applications using VR

Virtual Reality (VR) technology continues to evolve from the realm of an “expensive toy” into that of a functional technology. Although media hype may have oversold VR’s potential during the early 90’s, data has now emerged that supports its use as a valuable tool for cognitive, behavioral, physical, mental health and medical applications. Much like an aircraft simulator serves to test and train pilots under a variety of controlled conditions, VE simulations can model processes that are vital in the assessment, rehabilitation and treatment of clinical populations. In this regard, a growing number of laboratories are developing research programs investigating the use of VEs for these patient purposes and some of these systems have now made the transition into clinical practice. The presenters for this workshop have all developed and/or implemented VR applications that have shown promise for addressing fear reduction with phobic clients, pain and stress reduction for cancer patients, post traumatic stress disorder, physical therapy, anger management, driving abilities with Multiple Sclerosis and brain injury patients, and in the assessment and rehabilitation of motor skills, attention, memory, and vis uospatial processing in persons with central nervous system dysfunction and the elderly. These therapeutic targets reflect an informed appreciation of the unique assets that are available when using VR technology and provide a foundation of work that is supportive of the further development of these “healing” applications. The presenters will detail their work and support the case that these areas represent the “Kinder Killer App”!