Search

The field of virtual reality (VR) is still at the proof-of-concept stage, yet there is a growing number of potential clinical applications in the fields of physical medicine and rehabilitation that make effective use of VR technology. The rehabilitation process could be enhanced through the use of VR technology. At the time, VR technology was too expensive for effective use in a clinical setting. Now that the cost for VR technology has decreased, the implementation and verification of this concept has begun in earnest. The determination of clinical impairment begins with a detailed physical examination and functional testing of the patient. The physical examination is designed to determine the presence of pain and any loss of strength, sensation, range of motion, and structure. Functional evaluation is currently accomplished by subjective observation of patient performance on standardized tests for motor skills. The more objective assessments of upper extremity motion fall into two categories: visual and effective.