Re-Imaging Rehabilitation for Seniors

Seeking to transform physical rehabilitation for seniors, Reno-based medical technology developer ACP has introduced the world’s first commercially available virtual rehabilitation system designed specifically for aging adults.
 
Available beginning this month for patients at skilled nursing facilities, the “OmniVR” uses a high-tech 3D camera and specialized computer software that captures the patient’s image – or “avatar” – in real time, and introduces it into a virtual, game-like environment displayed on a large monitor.
 
With the guidance of a physical therapist, patients use the system to participate in an array of game-like therapeutic activities and exercises selected for their specific physical challenge or condition.
 
Though patients enjoy the system’s fun and gentle competition, clinicians and software developers created OmniVR’s programs to help improve strength, balance, movement, endurance and the patient’s overall functional capabilities. At the end of each exercise program, the system captures the participant’s score to help monitor progress and motivate him to try harder during his next session.
 
While OmniVR’s technology is new, medical researchers have been experimenting with more basic variations of the concept for years. Their findings show that treatment results for virtual reality rehabilitation can exceed those of real world therapy activities and exercises. The research confirms that patients will exercise harder and longer when immersed in a virtual rehabilitation environment that provides positive reinforcement.
 
Pilot Testing Reinvigorates Patients, Demonstrates Results
ACP observed the same effects with the OmniVR during several pilot studies nationwide throughout the summer.
 
At the Marquis Care at Plaza Center in Las Vegas, a 74-year-old resident in the therapy process for six weeks had begun to plateau functionally because he was beginning to exceed his comfort zone physically, especially with standing tasks. The therapy team had decided to discharge the patient if further progress could not be made.
 
With the arrival of OmniVR, the patient showed renewed interest in the therapy process and was able to move beyond his fear to reach a new level of function. The team was eventually able to get him to participate in more challenging activities, which he wasn’t willing to do prior to the OmniVR.
 
“All of our patients truly love this equipment,” says Brian Anderson, director of rehabilitation at Marquis Care at Plaza Regency. “It gives them something fun and meaningful to do that achieves the same therapeutic goal, and with some people, inspires them to do things they would not have ordinarily tried.”

3D Gaming for Seniors
Also supporting the merits of virtual rehabilitation for seniors is the success of more recreationally based products like Nintendo Wii Fit, which use less elaborate “two-dimensional” technology.
 
These systems – designed for individuals of all ages and skill levels – have been used with encouraging success in many skilled nursing facilities. Yet, only a limited number of nursing home residents can use these systems because of their more complex graphics and the need to hold a game controller, which many patients are unable to do.
 
In contrast, OmniVR’s programs focus less on outright competition, and more on the positive encouragement many geriatric patients need to get inspired about the possibility of recovery.
 
“Most people would never imagine that more than 50 percent of the individuals admitted to a nursing home are eventually able to return home, thanks in part to the more progressive rehabilitation technology many facilities have adopted,” said John Beach, ACP’s chief executive officer. “We’re proud to be a part of that evolution and we’re confident that the OmniVR represents another important chapter in that untold story.”
 
Launching Weeks Before 3D Gaming Arrives for Holiday Season
Nearly 4,000 nursing homes nationwide use ACP’s current medical technology, treatment programs and clinical training. ACP plans to make the OmniVR available to these current partners through 2010 and other long term care providers beginning in 2011.
 
With the Oct. launch, 3D gaming technology will be available for seniors weeks before Microsoft and others launch 3D gaming systems for adolescents and gamers of all ages for the 2010 holiday season.
 
Benefits and Systems Functions
• A special 3D camera recreates the patient’s movements in a “real time” interactive experience to enhance patient participation and exercise compliance.
• The easy-to-use, “one touch” operation includes six therapeutic exercise categories: seated exercise, wheelchair propulsion and control, upper extremity, balance, walking and cognitive activities.
• Exercise protocols target large motor movements such as leaning, knee extension-flexion, reaching, sit to stand, squatting, stepping, marching, etc.
• The system features adjustable levels of difficulty to match individual patient capabilities and exercise progression.
• The monitor provides positive feedback throughout the exercise session, rather than the win-lose approach used by similar systems that may discourage patients.
• The geriatric friendly system does not require hand controllers, special mats or platforms to stand on.
• The ability to accommodate multiple patients simultaneously, making OmniVR ideal for group therapy.
• The system produces a “Performance Summary” at the conclusion of each session to guide the patient’s therapy plan of care and provide proper documentation.

About Accelerated Care Plus
Accelerated Care Plus (ACP) is a developer of specialized rehabilitation technologies and the nation’s leading provider of evidence-based clinical programs and therapist training serving nearly 4,000 long-term care facilities and other post-acute rehabilitation providers throughout the U.S.  The Company’s medical technology is also used in elite athletics including over 100 professional, Olympic, and collegiate sports teams to help accelerate recovery and improve performance.  For more information call 800-350-1100 or visit www.acplus.com.