What is VR/AR therapy and how does it work?

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) therapy uses immersive digital environments to treat various medical conditions. VR creates fully digital worlds patients can interact with through headsets, while AR overlays digital elements onto the real world. These technologies can help with physical rehabilitation by making exercises more engaging, manage pain by distracting the brain, and treat psychological conditions like PTSD or phobias through controlled exposure therapy. The effectiveness comes from creating realistic, controlled environments that can be precisely tailored to each patient's needs.

Why is FDA approval important for companies in this space?

FDA approval validates that a VR/AR therapy is safe and effective, essentially transforming it from an experimental technology into a legitimate medical treatment. This approval is crucial for widespread adoption because it allows doctors to officially prescribe these therapies and, importantly, enables insurance companies to cover the costs. For the companies in this group, each new FDA approval can significantly expand their potential market and revenue opportunities as their technologies move into mainstream healthcare.

What are haptic feedback technologies?

Haptic feedback technologies create the sensation of touch in virtual environments through vibrations, forces, or motions. In VR therapy, this means patients can 'feel' objects that don't physically exist. For example, a stroke patient practicing grasping movements might feel resistance when they 'pick up' a virtual ball, making the rehabilitation exercise more realistic and effective. Companies developing advanced haptic systems are essential to creating truly immersive therapeutic experiences that engage multiple senses.

How do exoskeletons relate to VR therapy?

Exoskeletons are wearable devices that support and enhance physical movement, particularly for rehabilitation. When combined with VR therapy, they create a powerful treatment approach: the exoskeleton provides physical support and guidance for proper movement, while the VR environment makes rehabilitation exercises engaging and motivating. For example, a patient recovering from a spinal injury might use an exoskeleton to help them walk while immersed in a VR game that encourages them to navigate through an enjoyable virtual environment, potentially improving outcomes through higher engagement and adherence to therapy.

15 handpicked stocks

Immersive Rehab & VR Therapy

Virtual and augmented reality are transforming healthcare with innovative digital treatments for physical and psychological healing. These carefully selected companies are at the forefront of creating immersive technologies that offer effective alternatives to traditional therapies, poised to benefit from growing clinical acceptance.

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Updated 2 days ago | Published at juin 17