INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY OPENS UP NEW WORLDS TO THE PHYSICALLY AND COGNITIVELY CHALLENGED
April 7, 2007 (Toronto, ON) - GestureTek Health, a division of GestureTek Inc, pioneer and world leader in gesture-controlled technology is proud to join forces with St. John North Shore Hospital to give people with all levels of disabilities the opportunity to interact in a virtual world that would otherwise be inaccessible. Paraplegics can now snowboard, stroke victims can swim with sharks and a disabled child can slam-dunk a virtual basketball.
The IREX allows the clinician to design a fun, interactive exercise program that tests single joints to full-body function. Patients are immersed in a whole-body virtual environment where they can interact with screen images designed to enhance the sense of “presence” and auditory and visual feedback is in real time which promotes greater stimulation and therefore improved effort in rehabilitation exercises.
“Medical research confirms that Virtual Reality therapy is beneficial for patients with cognitive and physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as those recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury and other related cognitive and physical disabilities”, said Ron Kelusky, President, GestureTek Health.
“Research has also shown that Immersive Therapy can play an important role in pain diversion for many patients. GestureTek’s applications have been proven to provide important patient distraction, motivation and engagement, which can result in a more success-oriented rehabilitation experience”, added Kelusky.
The IREX can be used in hospitals or clinics and as with all GestureTek systems, the IREX is completely gesture-controlled and does not require patients to use Head Mounted Devices, or other peripheral devices which virtually eliminates the concern of cross-contamination.
Contact:
Patti Jordan, Director Marketing & Communications, 416-340-9290 x 274
Lucy Campisi, Business Development Manager, 416-303-9701
About GestureTek Health
Gesturetek Health™ delivers the benefits of computer vision control to the disability, hospital and education sectors. The company’s advanced immersive and interactive virtual reality therapy and entertainment systems are used by patients, professionals and institutions worldwide to promote rehabilitation, sensory stimulation, learning and activation. Whether relaxing in a virtual sensory environment, engaging in immersive play, or following a regimen of physiotherapy and music therapy, patients can achieve marked improvements to their physical and cognitive abilities, while also having fun and building self-esteem in a hygienic, touch free virtual environment. GestureTek Health is a business unit of GestureTek Inc., pioneer, patent holder and world leader in gesture recognition technology for presentation, information and entertainment systems. Learn more at www.gesturetekhealth.com.
