Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at UHasselt has suggested a new idea that a virtual reality lab may aid in the creation of new rehabilitation methods. One of the nine similar labs in the world operates with a 300-degree dome that is several meters tall. At the center, one can observe a movement platform.
The Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University Hasselt has recently presented a new laboratory in the field of virtual reality that will contribute to the further development of rehabilitation methods, prevention of falls among patients, as well as the creation of prosthetic limbs. The MOVElab, one of only 10 such facilities globally, features a 300-degree dome and a multidirectional movement platform.
The lab is the most advanced biomechanical movement lab in the world. It is equipped with a gigantic dome in which you can literally step into a virtual world that feels lifelike. The movement platform in the middle can move in all directions,
explains coordinator Prof. Dr. Pieter Meyns.
Numerous infrared cameras analyse every detail of the movements and behaviour of a test subject. This creates a huge number of possibilities.
The installation can be used for research into fall prevention in the elderly, virtual training camps for children with motor problems, rehabilitation for top athletes or patients with chronic conditions. But it can also play a role in the development of new running shoes or prostheses,
it sounds.
For elderly people, such a fall can really be the start of a downward spiral. Together with Maastricht University, we are investigating how VR simulations can help improve fall resistance,
the researchers say.
In this way, we simulate all disturbances in a safe way in the VR dome on our movement platform. The insights we gain from this, we then translate further into accessible affordable training programs for physiotherapists and healthcare professionals,
the researchers conclude.
For our faculty, this is a real dream come true,
says Prof. Raf Meesen, dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, defending the cost price.
With this gem, we are putting our research on the European and global map. In the long term, science and technology should reinforce each other here.
The same can be heard from Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA).
This unique lab proves once again our rock-solid position in the field of innovation and strengthens our image as a knowledge region and innovation leader. These innovative approaches are necessary to tackle our social challenges.
Even at Limburg level, there is nothing but praise for this project.
This is a bold and concrete elaboration of the SALKturbo plan with which we want to ensure the economic future of Limburg,
says deputy for Economy Tom Vandeput (CD&V).
The combination of virtual reality and biomechanical analysis opens new doors for patients, athletes and companies.
Why is virtual reality becoming crucial in rehabilitation research?
Rehabilitation involving VR is common because it allows for the real-life situation within a secure setting. As per the WHO, approximately one-third of the adults around the world aged 65 and above are affected by falls annually, and 20 to 30% of falls injuries result in moderate or severe injury. However, conventional approaches have the disadvantage of limited stimulation to patients by providing static exercise paradigms for balance and coordination, hence the requirement for complex applications like VR. There are only nine other labs globally with such an immersive dome technology as that of UHasselt’s MOVElab.
This €1.6m fund reflects the increasing interest in technological solutions in rehabilitation, for stroke patients ( new 1.2m every year in Europe) or children with developmental coordination disorder that affects between 5-6% of school-going children. Furthermore, VR has demonstrated up to 30% enhancement of balance recovery based on clinical studies to apply in prosthetics and falls. Thanks to the support of the EU and Flemish funds, the lab helps Belgium become one of the world’s forerunners in biomechanics and contributes to filling the gaps in healthcare and sports.
