Considerations for virtual environments for upper limb rehabilitation tasks

Shoulder pain and dysfunction are relatively common, but traditional treatment approaches and their efficacy are beset with problems, due in part, to the lack of adherence to therapeutic exercise programmes. The use of novel technology to support rehabilitation is increasing in popularity, with some evidence that it may be able to decrease the perception of pain, and improve movement quality, engagement and compliance with therapy. However, indiscriminate use of off-the-shelf games technology or haphazard approaches to the design of rehabilitation applications and virtual environments may not only reduce the potential benefits, but may even exacerbate the underlying problems. We consider the potential and the pitfalls associated with the use of novel technology in virtual reality rehabilitation, and suggest some strategies for reducing the risks and optimising therapeutic outcomes in virtual environments.