International Journal of Human and Health Sciences. Supplementary Issue: 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v0i0.129

 

S11 
 

Use of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation 
 

Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah1.2 

1Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Tek nologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor.  
2Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya. 

 
ABSTRACT 

 

Recovery of severe impairment as a result of acquired brain injury from conditions such as 

stroke and trauma can be limited. However, with neuroplasticity and re-learning of lost skills, 

the impairment can be overcome or reduced. The use of technology in rehabilitation has become 

synonymous in most advanced rehabilitation facilities. The outcome of chronic impairment is 

dependent on the rehabilitation approaches and new ways to address conventional strategies 

using technology. Technology in rehabilitation is an exciting avenue for research. The use of 

3-Dimensional Virtual Reality (3-D VR) in gaming has escalated in the past few years. 

However, the therapeutic use of 3-D VR in rehabilitation medicine is still lagging, although 

small studies have shown some potential on its use. We, at Faculty of Medicine UiTM 

embarked on a study to create a platform for 3-D VR application, (MRVR: Medical 

Rehabilitation Virtual Reality) with known neuroplastic strategies for individuals with acquired 

brain injury during rehabilitation. Outcome measures used will be that of standard and validated 

parameters before and after the application of MRVR. Specific aspects of rehabilita t io n 

parameters were addressed during the programme development. A low cost commercial 3 -D 

VR system was chosen (HTC VIVE™) to be used for the MRVR and our team developed a 

number of therapeutic programmes. Individuals with brain injur y undergo a sequence of 

immersive first person experience with the MRVR programme in a safe virtual environme nt. 

The MRVR also promote recovery through other theories of rehabilitation such as, enriched 

environment, imagery, increased engagement and participation, accessibility and gamificat io n. 

We hypothesize that individuals that uses MRVR will have improved outcome parameters post 

intervention. These findings will assist in changing the standards for neurorehabilitation, by 

improving functional outcome, productivity, quality of life and overall longevity of individ ua ls 

with disability. This study is funded by UiTM Research Grant: 600-IRMI/DANA 5/3 BESTARI 

(057/2017) 

Keywords: Rehabilitation, Virtual Reality, Neurorehabilitation