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Oct. 2014
Introducing Proficio™ with VirtualRehab™ Games

Introducing Proficio™ with VirtualRehab™ Games

 

Leading Robotics manufacturer Barrett Technology will introduce the research edition of the Proficio, their new rehabilitation robotic arm that runs on the VirtualRehab platform, tomorrow at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Conference (ACRM’14), being held in Toronto, Canada.

Proficio has the largest 3D haptics-force-field ever produced for the exploration of neuroplasticity of the brain. It is hoped that this device will soon be applicable to patients* recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal-cord injury. The system encourages the user to explore 3D reaching tasks with complete freedom. VirtualRehab, the physical therapy videogame platform developed by the company Virtualware, leverages this large 3D workspace with their deep roster of games that are engaging to the user. VirtualRehab then supports back-end data that can be used to tune parameters and collect critical user-performance data.

VirtualRehab is available in a cloud-baesd version or as a standalone product with a variety of games that work affordably with the Microsft Kinect® providing a rich visual experience during therapy.

Likewise, Proficio is a standalone product for neuroscience research with a rich set of haptic tools that allow users to feel a rich haptic interaction. Built on several issued and pending patents, the system ships with a comprehensive applications programmer interface (API) for exploring the benefits of neuroplasticity.

While each product – Proficio and VirtualRehab – can operate on a standalone basis, the real power comes from combining the two.

Working together, the combination enables the user to see and feel entertaining games that encourage intensive use. It displays scores that motivate the user while tracking valuable data. Proficio offers a large 3D workspace and is easy to set up. Competing devices either restrict the user to 2D motions, provide only small workspaces, or take too long to set up.

According to Barrett CEO Bill Townsend: “We are excited to launch the research edition of Proficio and our relationship with Virtualware. Virtualware makes awesome games that don’t compromise on visual reality while offering a superb back-end database.”

David Fried, Director of International Business Development at Virtualware comments: “VirtualRehab was originally developed with the clear idea of incorporating the most cutting-edge technology into our physical rehabilitation videogame platform. When Barrett approached us to work with them to combine their state-of-the-art Proficio with our rehabilitation videogames, we jumped at the opportunity. We’ve already seen how physical therapy with the existing VirtualRehab solution using the Microsoft Kinect leads to improved patient results for a wide variety of neurological diseases and disorders, including stroke. So we’re very excited about how Proficio, with all its amazing features, and VirtualRehab can really further engage and help stroke survivors, not only in clinical settings but also by allowing them the possibility to continue their therapy in the comfort of their own home. Therapists are sure to be impressed with all the possibilities that the Proficio will now give them when prescribing fun and effective therapeutic games for their patients, and the price is sure to be very attractive for research centres, hospitals and clinics. We have no doubt that the Proficio-VirtualRehab solution will prove to be a game changer within the rehabilitation field.”

* The current research edition of Proficio is not yet designed to work with patients and should not be purchased or used for application to patients.


About Barrett Technology, Inc.


US-based Barrett is the technology leader in high-performance robotic arms and hands for emerging applications requiring superior versatility.


About VirtualWare Group


Virtualware Group is a leader in the development of physical therapy videogames that help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from Neurodegenerative diseases, Neuromuscular and Neurovascular disorders.

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