Karel Kantor’s Post

Enhancing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Rehabilitation through Virtual Reality Innovation In recent years, the treatment of neuromuscular diseases has undergone significant changes, expanding beyond palliative symptom management. The use of virtual reality has become increasingly necessary in the treatment of progressive diseases involving mobility challenges, as it offers the potential to provide freedom and enhance capacity through specific training programs. Virtual reality technology can play a crucial role in aiding rehabilitation for individuals with neuromuscular diseases. As new technologies have become more accessible, virtual reality is finding broader applications within physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs. Virtual reality environments can be utilized to improve task performance, which is vital for individuals with neuromuscular diseases. Especially in the context of progressive muscle disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, virtual reality holds substantial promise for treatment. It can provide individuals with opportunities to engage in exercise and increase their functional capacity, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. Furthermore, virtual reality can make physiotherapy sessions more engaging, motivating patients to actively participate and thus improving their performance. Virtual reality technology has the potential to be an excellent tool for the rehabilitation of neuromuscular diseases. It can enhance the effectiveness of physiotherapy programs and contribute to the improvement of the quality of life for individuals with these conditions. Therefore, further exploration and utilization of virtual reality technology in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases are crucial for advancing patient care and outcomes. VoctoR Clinic ref: https://lnkd.in/d6aKNsrN #health #medicine #technology #virtualreality

Shedding Light on Stress, Addiction, and Virtual Reality A remarkable recent study, conducted by a dedicated team, delves into the intricate relationship between stress and drug use. Harnessing the immersive world of virtual reality (VR), the researchers ingeniously reconstructed the well-known Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) scenario. This innovative approach enabled them to induce stress and examine its impacts on young individuals with diverse substance use inclinations. Drawing inspiration from anxiety assessments in animals, the VR EPM unveiled a treasure trove of insights into behavioral, psychophysiological, and hormonal responses to stress across different participant groups: those with problematic alcohol use (AU), combined alcohol and cannabis use (AU + C), and a carefully selected control group (CO). Key Discoveries: 1️⃣ Behavior Insights: The AU group exhibited reduced exploration of open arms, while both experimental groups spent less time at the ends of open arms and engaged in decreased downward gaze. 2️⃣ Psychophysiological Signals: Electrodermal activity emerged as a potential marker for recovery, revealing extended recovery periods in the AU + C group following exposure to stress. 3️⃣ Hormonal Reactions: Activation of stress systems observed across all groups; a novel marker, the alpha-amylase/cortisol ratio, was found to be higher in the group with alcohol misuse. 4️⃣ Unveiling Cravings: Interestingly, both experimental groups displayed a slight increase in alcohol craving after experiencing the VR EPM. Significance: These findings hold promising implications for identifying individuals who might be prone to severe addictions or stress-linked disorders in the future. Furthermore, this study sets the stage for crafting targeted prevention strategies that encompass emotional, cognitive, and psychophysiological dimensions. https://lnkd.in/dX_UPH3z #ResearchSpotlight #VirtualRealityInnovation #AddictionInsights #StressAndWellness #CollaborativeScience

The evolution of technology in the field of psychology has enabled historically the development of new tools and methods that have revolutionized the way mental health professionals diagnose and treat their patients. In this article we will explore some of the most prominent technological milestones that have influenced clinical practice: from the democratization of the use of neuroimaging to virtual reality and the launch of Apple’s VR set in 2023. 🤳 https://lnkd.in/dA7F-ajr

XR Powered Digital Therapeutics Real World Use Cases I. Mental Health XR Therapeutics integrates VR with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxiety and phobias, utilizing the immersive nature of VR to safely expose patients to their triggers under professional guidance. XRHealth's Amelia Virtual Care combines VR with mindfulness-based interventions, enhancing mental health treatment through immersive mindfulness practices, catering to various mental health conditions. RealizedCare's "First Resort" employs VR to deliver a self-guided, evidence-based CBT program focused on educating users about the biopsychosocial factors affecting emotional wellness, enabling them to manage their emotional well-being effectively. II. Cognitive Health Rendever and Neuroglee Health use VR to provide Reminiscence Therapy (RT), aiming to improve memory and emotional well-being among the elderly and those with cognitive impairments by invoking past memories. III. Neurological Health MindMaze offers a suite of VR-powered applications for neurorehabilitation, enhancing motor and cognitive functions through gamified physical therapy experiences for patients with neurological disorders. MedRhythms, Inc. combines rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with AR for a novel neurorehabilitation approach, focusing on treating walking disabilities with a personalized therapy that leverages the therapeutic effects of music. IV. Developmental Disorders Floreo provides a virtual therapy platform for neurodiverse learners, enhancing communication and social skills through VR environments, with accessibility from home or office settings. V. Pain Management XRHealth's Chronic Pain Treatment offers a VR-powered, drug-free therapy for chronic pain, incorporating CBT and mindfulness within a home-based treatment plan to address both physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain. Realizedcare's Mind & Motion VR Program and Fern Health (now RealizedCare)'s Chronic Pain Program both offer innovative VR-based approaches to chronic pain management, emphasizing a holistic, biopsychosocial strategy that incorporates exercise therapy, emotional health, and nutrition. #digitaltherapeutics #extendedreality #virtualreality #mentalhealth #CBT

AI meets VR therapy: Cedars-Sinai adds AI-powered therapy app to Apple Vision Pro headset Cedars-Sinai announced the launch of Xaia, a spatial-computing, AI-enabled virtual psychotherapy companion accessible on the Apple Vision Pro headset that has been designed to use AI to generate human-like responses. The software’s generative AI has been programmed to mimic the role of a human therapist, providing mental health support through cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive talk therapy, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention therapy techniques. When installed on the Vision Pro headset, the Xaia app displays a 3D avatar—which looks like a robot, with extra-large eyes, expressive brows and an “empathetic and understanding voice." The Xaia app can also guide patients through deep breathing and meditation exercises. The technology claims to remembers and learns a patient's behavior synthesizing past interactions to inform future ones in order to personalize each communication and establish continuity of care. The healthcare system dubs the experience "generated reality," which it defines as merging technology and therapy. https://lnkd.in/guyyqN5T #applevisionpro #mentalhealth #appinnovation #digitalmentalhealth

💊 Psychedelics and Virtual Reality 🧠 📑Recent studies have shown interest in the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a promising alternative for patients with depression who have not responded optimally to traditional drug therapy and conventional rehabilitation and treatment methods (Muttoni et al., 2019; Garcia-Romeu et al., 2018). Psychedelic substances, including ayahuasca, psilocybin, and LSD, were initially investigated as potential therapeutic agents in the 1960s and provided preliminary evidence of their efficacy in treating conditions associated with psychological distress (Rucker et al., 2016). However, due to concerns about their safety stemming from widespread non-medical use, governments in most countries made them illegal, halting research until safer administration conditions were established (Rastelli et al., 2021; Johnson et al., 2008). In late 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Nevertheless, the administration of psychoactive substances in these studies requires increased attention, as up to one-third of participants experience transient fear or panic during high-dose sessions, and there is potential for deep and lasting changes in personality traits (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018; Gómez-Busto et al., 2020). 🧠An innovative solution to overcome these obstacles arises from Virtual Reality (VR). Studies linking psychedelic drugs to VR highlight the potential of both tools to radically change sensory and mental experiences (Brivio et al., 2020; Gómez-Busto et al., 2020). While classic psychedelics pose risks, including psychologically challenging experiences, VR imparts therapeutic benefits through a safe environment and perspective (Brivio et al., 2020; Aday et al., 2020). ✨A shared ability of psychedelics and VR is to alter our perception, disrupting rigid patterns of mental experience characterized by rigid beliefs about oneself and becoming "stuck" in common maladaptive narratives, moods, or habits underlying many psychiatric disorders (Aday et al., 2020). 📈VR can provide powerful tools to improve cognitive functions, promoting creativity, cognitive flexibility, and cognitive restructuring, enhancing an individual's ability to rewrite dysfunctional cognitive constructs (Brivio et al., 2020). Moreover, a recent study (Kaup et al., 2023) utilized Psychedelic VR to alleviate depressive symptoms, suggesting that subjective psychedelic experiences implemented through VR could have therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, the authors stated that implementing elements of psychedelic experiences through VR can help precisely investigate and clarify the mechanisms underlying psychedelic therapy, which remain partly unclear to date. 📚Studies on Psychedelic VR are recent and provide promising data, but, like all innovative tools, they require further scientific investigation. 💬 What are your thoughts?

Stepping into Solutions: How Virtual Reality Therapy is Transforming Mental Health Treatment Imagine conquering your fear of heights by gradually ascending a virtual skyscraper, or facing your social anxiety by delivering a presentation in a safe, simulated environment. Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is making these experiences possible, revolutionizing the way we approach mental health treatment. VRT utilizes computer-generated simulations to immerse patients in virtual worlds tailored to address specific phobias, anxieties, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A core application is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), which progressively exposes individuals to their fears in a controlled setting. For someone with a fear of public speaking, for instance, VRET might involve delivering a presentation to a virtual audience that can be gradually increased in size and realism. The power of VRT lies in its ability to create highly realistic and controllable environments. This allows therapists to expose patients to their anxieties in a safe and controlled manner. Unlike traditional exposure therapy, which may be limited by real-world constraints, VRT can create any scenario imaginable. Here's how VRT is proving to be effective: Increased Engagement: VR's interactive nature makes therapy sessions more engaging and stimulating, leading to better patient participation. Enhanced Safety: VRT allows patients to confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment, reducing the risk of anxiety or panic attacks. Gradual Exposure: Therapists can precisely control the intensity and complexity of virtual scenarios, allowing for gradual exposure and building confidence. Reduced Stigma: VR therapy can feel less intimidating than traditional therapy methods, potentially encouraging more people to seek help. VR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it represents a significant advancement in the mental health field. While more research is needed, VRT shows promise in treating a variety of conditions, including: Phobias (heights, spiders, public speaking, etc.) Anxiety disorders Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Pain management Autism spectrum disorder As VR technology continues to develop, so too will the potential applications in therapy. The future of mental health care might involve not just talking about problems, but stepping into simulated solutions. #psychology #newinpsychology #virtualrealitytherapy https://lnkd.in/gdq_dzPN

New technologies, new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. In this article we will explore some of the most prominent technological milestones that have influenced clinical practice: from the democratization of the use of neuroimaging to virtual reality and the launch of Apple’s VR set in 2023. https://lnkd.in/dA7F-ajr

[Presentation] Extended Reality (XR) Design for Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Webinar Our upcoming webinar will begin in a day, on April 24 (Wednesday), 2024, at 12:00 PM ET. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eKR6faCv The webinar will cover the following topics: I. Introduction to XR Powered DTx Key Extended Reality (XR) Applications in Healthcare Integration of XR with Digital Therapeutics (DTx) II. XR Powered DTx for Various Health Conditions XR Powered DTx for Mental Health  XR Powered DTx for Cognitive Health  XR Powered DTx for Developmental Disorders XR Powered DTx for Rehabilitation XR Powered DTx for Pain Management XR Powered DTx for Behavioral Addictions III. XR Powered DTx Use Cases Global XR Powered DTx Business Leaders Mental Health Use Cases  Cognitive Health Use Cases  Developmental Disorders Use Cases  Rehabilitation Use Cases  Pain Management Use Cases IV. XR Powered DTx Innovation Insights from Patents Global XR Powered DTx Patent Owners Senkiva’s Sensory Immersion Vessel (SIV) BehaVR (Realizedcare) and Sumitomo Pharma’s Innovation for Mental Health Medrhythms’ Innovation for Rehabilitation V. XR Powered DTx Design Basics of 3D Modeling and Immersive Experience Design XR Powered DTx Design Guide VI. XR Powered DTx Emerging Trends XR + Spatial Computing + AI (LLMs) + Digital Twins in DTx VII. Neuroscience of XR Powered DTx  Hippocampal Oscillations Neuroplasticity Global XR Powered DTx Business Leaders Mental Health: XR Therapeutics, XRHealth, RealizedCare, OxfordVR Cognitive Health: Rendever, Mynd Immersive, Altoida, Inc. Developmental Disorders: Floreo Rehabilitation: MindMaze, MedRhythms, Inc., Jintronix Pain Management: AppliedVR, XRHealth, Realizedcare, Fern Health Global XR Powered DTx Patent Owners Mental Health Patents: BehaVR (Realizedcare), Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., Nanjing Yuanyu Oasis Technology, Reulay Inc, atai Life Sciences, Senkiva Cognitive Health Patents: King Abdulaziz University, Altoida, Memorywalk, SocialDream, Actibrain Bio Developmental Disorders Patents: Embright Infotech Pvt Ltd, Floreo, Zhe Jiang Fan Ju Technology, Genentech, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, IFG Cure Holdings Rehabilitation Patents: Mindmaze, Medrhythms Pain Management Patents: NihayTech.ai, Lucine Maladaptive Behaviors Patents, BehaVR (Realizedcare) #digitaltherapeutics #extendedreality #virtualreality #augmentedreality #spatialcomputing #generativeai #LLMs #digitaltwins #patent

Use of new technology in #healthcare should always be driven by evidence. So here a great example of XR for treating mental health by researchers from Stanford University. The study looked at the improvements in depression when using VR headsets to play boardgame, dance, and do other pleasant activities. And the findings were very positive: 👉🏻 VR engagement proved as effective as telehealth for reducing symptoms of depression 👉🏻 #Patientexperience improved with use of the technology, showing better engagement 👉🏻 The new technology and approach could reach patients who fear stigmas