nir-vana innovation network

According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide suffer from neurological or psychological impairments, with Europe alone accounting for more than 300 million cases. Changes in demographics will only intensify this trend in the future. In addition, more and more countries are struggling with the problems of a shortage of skilled therapy workers, a backlog of innovations and outdated technology. Many experts believe that the future of therapy lies in virtual reality (VR) technology. A German SME has developed a VR-based therapy system which addresses the needs of all relevant parties, including clinics, insurance companies, doctors, therapists and patients. Since February 2021, the CE-certified class 1 medical device developed by the German SME is in use in rehabilitation clinics, acute clinics, nursery homes and practices throughout Europe, gaining a 93% positive feedback rate from patients. It is successfully applied in neurological rehabilitation for the cognitive and sensory motor treatment of patients with cognitive and motor impairments. The device is used for training arms, hands, upper body and torso. For the training, patients are equipped with a VR headset, combining goggles, hand controllers and headphones. The patient is represented by a virtual avatar in an immersive gaming world in which he or she can explore different therapy games such as virtual kite surfing or archery that incentivize and stimulate the movement of different body parts. Different programs can be chosen according to individual therapeutic needs. Due to the gamification approach and an immediate and automated success feedback, the patients experience a completely new therapy as compared to conventional methods. The motivation to exercise is improved significantly. The software developed combines the possibilities of VR with realtime movement tracking. The perfect immersion allows for low latencies, a minimal lag in between the patient’s movement and the depiction of this movement in the Virtual Reality which reduces motion sickness to a minimum. Training results can be analysed and documented through the software and made available to patients and caregivers through a mobile application. The therapy was developed for use in patients with the following indications, among others stroke with residual hemiplegia/paresis, cerebral palsy, Spinal cord injuries/paraplegia, brain injury, musculoskeletal diseases, neuropathy, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease), ataxia or others. It addresses cognitive, sensorimotor, and perceptual impairments. The VR system addresses basic problems in rehabilitation that worsen medical processes and cost various parties money. For example, the system allows several patients to be treated at the same time by only one therapist, significantly reducing workload. The system is also portable, which considerably reduces travel times and documentation work for therapists. Time that can be used for the patient or to increase turnover. Like that, the system developed significantly enhances the efficiency of rehabilitation measures. Proof of concept has been achieved in various studies and with the existing customer base. Although medical certification has already been obtained, the system will continue to develop and advance as more users are brought onboard. Therefore, distributors and cooperation partners who can help to expand the user-based beyond Germany and throughout Europe are sought. Sought are experienced distributors from the healthcare sector, ideally with a network of potential customers, for distribution agreements. Also rehabilitation clinics, acute clinics, retirement homes and outpatient facilities can be partners in the framework of commercial agreements with technical assistance.