On 27th August, Councillor Lynne Short will be visiting Showcase The Street, at the Dundonald Street base, to inaugurate an exciting new project between the Tech Hub and Dundee Stroke Exercise Club (DSEC) using gaming technology and virtual reality (VR) in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. Councillor Short was instrumental in introducing both groups to each other, leading to the development of this innovative and fun activity.
Margaret Mitchell, DSEC Chair, says “when Lynne Short asked me what was on my immediate wish list for DSEC, I said to introduce some virtual reality into our rehab programme. Lynne’s response was that I can help with that. Never could I imagine that by introducing us to Cheryl and Andy at Showcase the Street that it would result in such an innovative way to provide rehabilitation for our members. Already we are seeing great results both physically and cognitively.”
The aim of the project is to usher in a new era in stroke rehabilitation by integrating VR and gaming technology, addressing both physical and cognitive aspects of recovery. Using this new technology makes the rehabilitation process more engaging and enjoyable, helping users stay motivated.
Exercises can target specific motor skills and coordination, aiding in the recovery of fine motor control.
Games that require larger movements can help improve overall strength and mobility.
Many VR games include cognitive challenges that can stimulate brain activity and aid in cognitive recovery.
VR can facilitate group activities and social interactions, which can combat feelings of isolation and encourage a sense of community.
VR systems include analytics to track progress and provide objective measurements of improvement. Data Collection: Detailed data can help therapists adjust treatment plans based on the patient’s performance.
We are integrating Saebo VR, a cutting-edge VR system specifically designed for stroke rehabilitation, into our recovery programs.
The project took a few months to get off the ground. The biggest stumbling block has been funding. Money was made available from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and the Leng Charitable Trust. This funding covered all the costs allowing the project to go ahead as planned. Once this current project has run its course, the results will be analysed and used as the basis to apply for further funding.
“We are thrilled to run these sessions at our Tech Hub facility. We believe technology can be applied in many innovative ways to benefit the community, and this is a fantastic example of how tech can be used for good” – Andrew Jenkins (Technology Officer).
“There is strong evidence to justify the use of VR in stroke rehabilitation. NHS Tayside does not have this type of facility within the physiotherapy department. DSEC working in partnership with Showcase Tech Hub provides a fantastic opportunity to improve physical skills, such as balance or arm movement, alongside cognitive skills, such as memory and problem solving. Our members find that using the VR equipment is engaging and fun” - Carol Greig, neuro physiotherapist, NHS Tayside.
Some of the traditional gaming facilities were not originally suitable for our members, Ron Spence, volunteer and committee member, used his engineering skills to produce adaptations to allow our members full access to all the facilities. “I enjoy the challenge of adapting the equipment to suit the needs of the class members.”
Members’ Comments
“It’s a good opportunity to engage with the kind of complex tasks that are more difficult to do post-stroke in a safe environment.” – Matthew
“The Tech Hub has enabled me to use gaming technology to improve my rehab. I get fully immersed in the activities and am distracted from the fear and anxiety that often accompanies brain injury. I also enjoy the more traditional games, like air hockey, where competing against another player gets my body moving in ways that I normally would not try.” – Karen
“Exploring the Virtual Reality Games at the Tech Hub is so much fun. I feel that playing the games is not only improving my reactions to visual stimulation but reawakening and engaging weak muscles that have been dormant since my stroke.” – Janice
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the experience at the hub. Playing golf and driving cars through the virtual system was not only enjoyable but also provided a sense of independence and freedom that I’ve been longing for since my stroke. While air hockey was fun and enjoyable being able to move my arm again has been emotional. This rediscovered muscle movement has filled me with hope for the future” – June
“Tech hub is great because I do my physiotherapy without thinking about it. I’m not thinking about my balance when trying to get a goal playing air hockey. VR lets me do things safely that I used to be able to do like chopping vegetables or driving a car.” - Jillian
For further information contact
Margaret Mitchell, chair; wy.mitchell@btinternet.com
John Sapeluk, co-secretary; john@sapeluk.com
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
