Penumbra introduces VR-based full-body rehabilitation platform

Penumbra introduces a VR-based full-body rehabilitation platform penumbra’s Real immersion system is a rehabilitation platform that uses virtual reality headgear and associated sensors implanted around the body to lead patients through a variety of muscle and cognition-strengthening activities. The Real y-Series system was launched recently in which virtual reality technology can be used to treat ailments in both the upper and lower limbs. The initial working of the technology was meant to aid in upper extremity deficits.

According to Gita Barry, GM at Penumbra’s immersive healthcare division, the upgrade makes the y-Series technology the only hands-free, sensor-based VR platform today that includes exercises for both the lower and upper body.

The GM further stated that “By enabling patients to immerse and visualize their entire body in motion and providing clinicians the ability to individualize each therapy session to challenge and motivate patients, we can maximize the key benefits of rehabilitation therapy by promoting higher engagement and intensity, which has the potential to improve patient outcomes”.

The y-Series system is made to be used for two kinds of therapy namely occupational and physical therapy. The VR-based activities are made for the improvement of range of motion, postural control, balance, spatial awareness, cognitive stimulation, and everyday living tasks.

Medical specialists can monitor the progress of the patient wearing the VR headset. The specialists will have a tablet to monitor the personal vision and move the patients toward the right direction of recovery. Physicians may also alter the program’s parameters in real time and personalize each exercise to the patient’s individual needs using the TherapyView app.

Penumbra’s y-Series system includes 18 therapeutic activities spread over many virtual environments. One example of these activities is the “Happy Valley,” which is a place of happy penguins where patients may farm, fish, create new buildings, and even explore several other options. The system is confident that these activities will increase short-term memory, strength, and control and develop various skills.

Another activity is, “Mindful Market,” which is designed to prepare patients for return to work by sharpening their executive function, working memory, sequencing, and sorting abilities. According to the company, these activities will help to accomplish this by directing them through virtual jobs such as making sandwiches, sorting deliveries, and selling postage stamps with “increasingly sophisticated pricing”.

Penumbra’s Real platform contains the I-Series technology in addition to the y-Series system, which focuses on clinical rehabilitation for physical injuries and some cognitive disabilities. That system aims to improve overall mental wellness by providing seated, gaze-based activities that provide cognitive activation, distraction therapy, reminiscence therapy, mindfulness practice, and relaxation to people suffering from anxiety, depression, loneliness, physical discomfort, and other issues.

According to Penumbra, over 70% of therapists in the U.S. believe that in today’s world, patient compliance is the most difficult obstacle in physical therapy. More than half feel VR may aid in this improvement. Furthermore, the majority of physical therapists reported a desire to incorporate technology such as virtual reality in their work.