INTEGRATION OF VIRTUAL REALITY AND MOTION TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCED PHYSICAL REHABILITATION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

2024;
: 28-36
https://doi.org/10.23939/cds2024.01.028
Received: March 12, 2024
Revised: April 02, 2024
Accepted: April 05, 2024
1
Lviv Polytechnic National University
2
Lviv Polytechnic National University

The recent application of Virtual reality (VR) and Motion Tracking Technologies (MTT) in physical rehabilitation is an emerging area addressing the insufficiencies of conventional methods. In this review paper, we describe how VR and MTT interact with each other and elaborate on their mutual capacities to improve treatment results in physical rehabilitation. This problem can be specified as the limited effectiveness of conventional rehabilitation methods in promoting patient motivation and engagement. VR and MTT are emerging innovations; however, their combined utilization for rehabilitation needs a detailed analysis to reveal their applicability and benefits.

The primary purpose of this review is to assemble recent studies on VR and MTT application in physical rehabilitation, emphasizing the efficacy, specific domains where they can be used, and the peculiarities of their application in clinical practice. A narrative review method was employed for this paper, which covered a wide range of peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and meta-analyses. A significant finding of this study shows that VR and MTT, when used in combination, contribute to the substantial improvement in patient outcomes in motor function, balance, and cognitive recovery. The article's novelty is that it analyses the integrated use of virtual reality and mobile training technologies in rehabilitation, thus revealing its potential to overcome the limitations inherent in traditional therapies and ensure more intensive involvement and individualized treatment. The empirical significance of this study can be helpful for healthcare professionals and physical therapists who seek new ways and directions in their work with patients.

Scope of Further Investigations: In terms of future research, this paper suggests the necessity of large-scale, randomized controlled trials to identify standard protocols, explore long-term impacts of the integration, and investigate applications in less-known rehabilitation domains.

The authors emphasize that successful implementation requires a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals, engineers, and researchers to design appropriate protocols tailored to individual patient needs.

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