Development of a Bedside Wellness System

This paper describes the development of a system for implementing a new concept that we call "bedside Wellness." The system aims at improving the quality of life for bedridden patients and the elderly. A prototype system intending to reduce stress and facilitate movement was proposed and developed based on a basic study. It provides a virtual walk through a forest by using VR (virtual reality) technology and foot devices installed on the bed. The system was evaluated by an experiment with healthy subjects. The data suggested positive effects of the system; however, points for improvement were also learned. After making some of these improvements, we will begin clinical use of the system.