Virtual reality in physical rehabilitation: a narrative review and critical reflection

Abstract

Background Digital technologies are increasingly more ubiquitous with every passing year and have the potential to revolutionize how humans interact. In the realm of physical rehabilitation, the use of virtual reality (VR) is an area that has continued to see growth as a technology that could allow for new avenues of physical therapy practice. Objectives This manuscript starts with a narrative review of the emergence of virtual reality technology for use in rehabilitation and the original vision of this relationship as a means to understand its trajectory for the future. We then consider the current benefits and harms of using virtual reality technologies in the physical rehabilitation space. Major Findings VR technologies are becoming smaller and cheaper with every given year, with many new applications in physical rehabilitation (e.g. restoration of range of motion or pain control). We appear to be at a point in history where VR may be able to be successfully used on a wider scale in physical rehabilitation. The use of VR in physical rehabilitation has potential, but greater effort is required to elucidate its standardized operating procedures as well to guide the ethics in its use. Clinicians may also need to learn new competencies to implement VR effectively. Conclusions Collaboration is required between patients, clinicians, and scientists to help guide the use of VR within physical rehabilitation. This work is intended to act as a resource to clinicians and scientists in the field looking to develop a greater understanding of VR within physical rehabilitation.