A new hope for those looking to go back to walking comes from technology, and precisely from Cyber therapy. What is it about?
Virtual reality comes to our rescue, with a special super-technological "cave" in which to "immerse ourselves" to carry out physical and cognitive rehabilitation. They are called "Cellar“, and are two virtual rooms installed at the IRCCS Auxologico Italiano in Milan where virtual immersive Telepresence (Tiv) is tested.
In the caves it is possible to simulate the typical scenarios in which some disorders are treated, including cognitive ones in the initial phases, motor ones or psychological ones such as anxiety, phobias, stress.The aim is to manage, overcome or reduce these deficits and allow the patient to benefit from therapeutic support.
"Cave is an extraordinary tool for post stroke rehabilitation, in the early stages of senile dementia or for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson. Thanks to this technology it is in fact possible, for example, to facilitate the elderly person's return home, simulating situations of everyday life but in a controlled environment "said Marco Stramba-Badiale, director of the Geriatric-Cardiovascular Department and of the Experimental Research Laboratory. of Rehabilitation and Cerebrovascular Medicine of the Auxologico in Milan.
Here is his operation. Computer-generated domestic and outdoor environments (such as a city or supermarket) are reproduced on three screens and on the floor. With the spaces the patient can interact using a joystick. At his side there is always a tutor who explains how to move in the environment and the tasks to be performed. There are many pathologies that can benefit from this therapy: we will see all its applications in the future.
