A full body suit with integrated virtual reality is realising its potential to aid the recovery of patients with conditions such as paraplegia.
The ‘Teslasuit’ was originally designed for video gamers to create a sense of touch through heat, cold and shocks when playing virtual reality games. The suit is now being tested for its potential in helping those with muscle damage.
So how does it work?
The suit can be programmed to give muscle stimulation, exercising areas of the body that would otherwise require attention from a doctor or specialist. These functions are well suited to individuals with physical disabilities – stimulating limbs can prevent painful muscle wasting.
Other applications of the Teslasuit include studying the nervous system, post-stroke rehabilitation and balance – all from your own home through a user-friendly smartphone monitor.
Teslasuit Project chief executive Dimitri Mikhalchuk said: “While Teslasuit brings a lot more potential in virtual reality gaming and movies, we developed it to the point where it became a viable product for rehabilitation.”
Combined with a virtual reality headset the Teslasuit can create an immersive experience. Previous applications of rehabilitation through virtual reality include aiding those with chronic pain conditions such as burns victims. By immersing themselves in virtual reality, some patients experience pain relief.
When can we buy it?
The Teslasuit is set to go into full production this year and will demo at Future Tech Now this April in London.
