PHOENIX - You might think virtual reality is just a pair oversized goggles that gives you access to an exciting, alternate world. But, what if virtual reality had other powers that could heal your body? That question is being answered at Banner Health's University Medicine Rehabilitation Institute right here in Arizona.
Cristina Vazquez was in school to become a nurse. But, on February 7, 2015, everything changed.
"I had a car accident. It was a t-bone," Cristina says.
She suffered a traumatic brain injury which put her in the hospital for months, barely able to open her eyes or even talk.
"I thought I wasn't going to walk ever," she says.
But, therapists at Banner's Rehabilitation Institute had different plans.
"I came here with a wheelchair and they said, oh no, homegirl, you cannot be with the wheelchair," Cristina jokes.
So, they got to work, using virtual reality to help heal Cristina's body. Specifically, the Dynovision machine is used on patients who need to retrain their visual motor coordination.
Cristina's occupational therapist, Holly Jones, explains, "it's looking at her reaction time."
At the same time, it serves as a form of speech therapy for Cristina, who tries to shout out the words she sees on the screen in front of her.
"When a patient has an injury to their brain," Holly explains, "other areas surrounding that damage can re-learn what that damaged area did."
But, that kind of therapy takes a lot of practice and a lot of repetitions, which can be extremely mundane and very frustrating for patients.
"That's where Virtual Reality comes in," Holly says. "It gives us the ability to give the patient something meaningful to do. They can visually see what's going on. They can see the movement in their affected arm. And, it gives them a score, so they know how they're doing and how they're progressing."
Cristina says, "Before, I would just look at people... ugh, I'm never going to do that."
But, with innovative, meaningful therapy, her coordination has improved, her balance is better and her legs are stronger.
"Thank God for the help, because, I don't know, without them, I'd probably still be wheelchair-chilling," Cristina laughs.
Officials at Banner Health say Cristina's story is just one of many incredible stories at the clinic showing how technology is impacting lives.
Their occupational therapists are using Virtual Reality to help a tattoo artist regain their fine motor skills necessary for his craft and assisting another patient with relearning tasks like folding laundry or swinging a golf club.
They also say there is no age-limit for the technology. They've used it for children and patients as old as 89 years old.
Excerpt from:
Virtual reality heals rehab patients in Phoenix - ABC15 Arizona
- Virtual Reality - Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- VR, Virtual Reality | Virtalis [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2016]
- Road to VR - Virtual Reality News [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- VR Porn, Exclusive Virtual Reality Sex Videos. WankzVR [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Immersion (virtual reality) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Setting the Record Straight One Post at ... [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- NBA broadcasts games in virtual reality with NextVR ... [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality | Future | Fandom powered by Wikia [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual reality, one year out: What went right, what didn't ... [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Toronto - VRTO - Virtual Reality, Toronto [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- Virtual reality headset - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Tribemix Virtual Reality for Dementia Care - YouTube [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Has Arrived in the Art World. Now What? - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Experience College Swim Meet - SwimSwam [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Explore The Amazon With This Stunning 360 Virtual Reality Video - IFLScience [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Adobe's Path To Entering The Virtual Reality Story - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Europe's virtual reality sector has grown to nearly 300 companies - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to recount Maori life - Otago Daily Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- John Wall: 'I really thought I was gonna die' - ESPN.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Travel Brands and Meeting Planners Are Using Virtual Reality to Drive Conversion - Skift [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Sportsnet to launch 360 Virtual Reality for six NHL games - Sportsnet.ca [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- In the burgeoning world of virtual reality, storytelling is both cutting-edge and old-fashioned - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- What parents need to know about virtual reality - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 8 Real Success Tips From Women Building The Future With Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Virtual reality: prepare for the revolution - AndroidPIT [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Prospects Dimming For Facebook's Oculus Rift Virtual-Reality Headsets - Investor's Business Daily [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WATCH: YouTube Stars Create Amazing La La Land-Inspired Virtual-Reality Music Video - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality addiction threat prompts cautious approach as VR nears 'smartphone-like' take-off - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Archaeology turns to virtual reality with Lithodomos start-up - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- The Future Of Virtual Reality: Mobile VR Platforms In A Battle - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is boring compared to Beyonc's actual reality - A.V. Club (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Google wants to use Chrome to suck you into virtual reality - CNET [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Ringling showcase offers glimpse of virtual reality in Sarasota - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Allegheny County teachers see how to open world to classrooms with virtual reality - Tribune-Review [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Could Be Your Next Prescription - DesignNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- DACC & Virgin Galactic team up to explore virtual reality - Las Cruces Sun-News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Boulder International Film Festival diving into virtual reality with 2017 slate - Boulder Daily Camera [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- 'JAEPO 2017' Shows That Japanese Arcade Gaming Is Beginning To Incorporate Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Wichita-created virtual reality could take jurors into crime scenes ... - Wichita Eagle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Why this analyst is warning investors to steer clear of virtual reality in 2017 - L.A. Biz [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- See the Newcastle virtual reality room helping children with autism overcome their phobias - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- See This Famous Masterpiece Recreated in Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Samsung Goes for a New Look in Virtual Reality at New York Fashion Week - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has a growing impact on college football - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- This company is opening a virtual reality multiplex this fall - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Personalized virtual reality displays match eyesight | Stanford News - Stanford University News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality weather add-ons let you feel the sun and wind - New Scientist [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is still too isolating to be 'the next big thing' in tech - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Miyamoto Still Has Doubts About Virtual Reality - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality industry 'in need of a jump-start,' Imax CEO says at ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Doctors use virtual reality to prepare children for scans - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Gamers get a taste of virtual reality with new Missoula arcade - KTVH [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Revised orca shows, new virtual-reality swim with whales and new ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Transcend VR Sues Virtual-Reality Investor Mike Rothenberg - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- This Powerful Gaming Executive Isn't Worried If Virtual Reality Fails - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Virtual reality helps visitors transport back in time to ancient Roman ... - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Boise-area entrepreneurs see opportunity in virtual reality amid real-world perils - Idaho Statesman [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- 3D printing, virtual reality used to bring dinosaur to 'life' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Virtual reality startup Relax VR wants to relieve stress in corporate environments - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Escape with Virtual Reality, travelogue at Way - Sentinel-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- VR1: Idaho's first virtual reality arcade opens in Eagle - KBOI-TV [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- NBA launches virtual reality app with Google Daydream - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Is Bringing These Lost Worlds Back to Life - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Now You Can Feel Wind and Temperature While in Virtual Reality - Futurism [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- IMAX's first virtual reality arcade is here and it is beautiful - The Verge - The Verge [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- VR Sales Numbers Are Wet Blanket on Adoption Hopes - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality to Make MRIs Less Scary - Financial Tribune [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Valve is Taking a Nintendo-like Approach to Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Inside an IMAX virtual reality arcade - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- With New Invention, Virtual Reality's Potential for Magic Gets Real - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- What Ubisoft learned from its first virtual reality games - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Was a Flop in 2016. Will 2017 Be the Year It Takes Off? - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to take a decade as users chicken out, study shows - The Australian Financial Review [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is making surgery simpler - Deniz Ergurel (subscription) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has potential to add new dimensions to marketing - Business Day (registration) [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Virtual reality will take 'maybe a decade' to become mainstream - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- #MadeInRVAJr: Hanover siblings want to bring virtual reality to your event - WRIC [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Making Virtual Reality More Accessible - VideoInk [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- New virtual reality lounge opening in the Capital Region - NEWS10 ABC [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]