Virtual Walk
Video system based on mirror therapy for the reduction of chronic, neuropathic pain
Chronic, neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is poorly understood and difficult to treat. One possible cause of the pain is a mismatch between motoric commands and sensory feedback. To treat the chronic pain, a visual therapy method is often used. One such variation represents the virtual walk system. The virtual walk therapy is based on a visual output on a TV screen, perceived by the paraplegic. The output consists of the upper body of the patient, which is filmed and positioned on walking legs, shown in a background video. This creates the illusion, that the patient is all right and that he can walk. It is believed, that this visual input can correct the mismatch of motoric commands and sensory feedback.