The technique is usually used in large metropolitan centers. In Saint-Médard de Mussidan in Dordogne, the rehabilitation center has also been equipped with virtual reality to help its elderly patients progress. The results are sensitive
Half of her face hidden by her futuristic helmet, headphones glued to her ears, Christine slices suspended virtual oranges like a real Samurai. Although she looks like she’s having a lot of fun, it’s all part of her treatment. She is one of the patients of the Medical Care and Rehabilitation Center from the Château de Bassy, in Saint-Médard de Mussidan in Dordogne.
The device is suitable for multiple rehabilitation uses
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© France 3 Périgords – Gabin Cransac & Anne-Laure Meyrignac
Specializing in the management of the conditions of polypathologically dependent elderly people or those at risk of dependence, the Château de Bassy has equipped itself with this new device in order to help patients obtain better results in rehabilitation. ” It’s different because we project ourselves into virtuality. LThe rest, we do it naturally!“, explains the patient, visibly delighted with her virtual exploits. “What is important is that we forget our pain over time.“
Wearing her helmet, Christine slices virtual oranges
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© France 3 Périgords – Gabin Cransac & Anne-Laure Meyrignac
Muscle control, proprioception, coordination, muscle strengthening, reflexes, the device allows a whole range of exercises adapted to needs. The device is not sufficient in itself, explains Marc Bonneau, teacher of adapted physical activity. “It is always supplemented by classic rehabilitation. After us, we know that compared to patients who have not used virtual reality, and since we have had virtual reality, we have been able to see quite significant progress, particularly in terms of balance.“.
Virtual reality helps, but does not completely replace traditional rehabilitation
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© France 3 Périgords – Gabin Cransac & Anne-Laure Meyrignac
The interest is to be able to offer patients in Dordogne a medical device that we will actually find in big cities.
Cécile Avril, head of the technical platform
The technique is not really recent, but until now it was only equipped in the best-equipped healthcare centers. “We have many rehabilitation centers specializing in neurology, traumatology, operated backs, where we will have high-tech equipment and we do not necessarily have them in small rehabilitation centers which will accommodate a slightly older audience.“, explains Cécile Avril, head of the technical platform.
Cécile Avril, head of the technical platform, appreciates that this device is now available for part of the elderly population of the Dordogne
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© France 3 Périgords – Gabin Cransac & Anne-Laure Meyrignac
Apart from physical rehabilitation, virtual reality headsets are increasingly part of the non-drug arsenal available to professionals. For example, they help combat the effects of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Some centers use them to immerse patients in a sound and visual environment with the aim of treating anxiety disorders and pain, stimulating well-being and cognitive functions.
Virtual reality can help without replacing the sometimes painful and repetitive exercises necessary to maintain the body
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© France 3 Périgords – Gabin Cransac & Anne-Laure Meyrignac
These headsets can also allow future patients, before transfer, to discover their new establishment. Finally, in some nursing homes, virtual reality is used to offer residents a walk on a beach, a visit to Mont Saint-Michel, a short gondola ride in Venice or a parachute jump. Cheaper, easier and above all much less dangerous than reality.
