Spa rehabilitation combined with VR therapy

Virtual rehabilitation, which has been on the rise in recent years, has great potential for use in spa rehabilitation. Virtual reality training has been shown to reduce spastic pain and improve the psychological state of patients. Simple exercises in virtual reality that can motivate patients to exercise can help physiotherapists revitalize rehabilitation, intensifying movement. Patients who are transported to a pleasant environment in virtual reality are more motivated, rehabilitation is more enjoyable, and they can exercise longer. The virtual environment is an illusion of the real world, into which the patient is able to integrate, while perceiving the virtual world as real. It uses mirror neurons and neuroplasticity, where the brain engages while watching simulated movement in virtual reality in the same way as if the person were performing the movement themselves.

The aim of the study of the Institute of Spa and Balneology, v.vi., is to verify the suitability and effectiveness of the use of virtual reality (VR) in a 3-week complex spa stay.

Patients with indications VI/3, VII/7, VII/9 aged 18 years and older, regardless of gender, are being followed in the study.
The basis of the treatment programmes is movement therapy with a range of physical therapy procedures (magnetotherapy, laser, ultrasound, distant magnetotherapy), wraps, baths, massages and other procedures, which are prescribed on the basis of the assessment of the patient's health condition by the doctor during the initial examination. Patients in the experimental group will be prescribed a special treatment program involving VR in the patient's 3-week stay, 3 times a week. Patients in the control group will undergo a standard 3-week comprehensive spa treatment.

The great interest in researching the use of virtual reality in spa care stems from the many benefits this technology offers. One of the main benefits is the possibility of greater individualisation of treatment. By utilizing virtual reality technology, healthcare professionals can make comprehensive and accurate diagnoses of the patient, allowing for more precise and specific needs and goals to be identified. Virtual reality offers a large selection of therapeutic activities that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Connecting to a central system provides healthcare professionals with the ability to instantly diagnose, measure and evaluate patient outcomes. This feature makes it easier to monitor and analyse progress in the treatment process and assists in determining the ideal rehabilitation programme for further treatment. The personalized feedback also allows the patient to better understand the effect of the treatment and the results achieved.

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Plzeň. In 2023, the study was conducted in Františkovy Lázně, Luhačovice and Mariánské Lázně. In the first half of 2024, the research study will take place in the Jáchymov Spa, and patients with VII/1 Rheumatoid arthritis stages I to IV, VII/2 Bechterew's disease, VII/7 coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis will be monitored.