The Medical Virtual Reality (MedVR) group at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies is devoted to the study and advancement of uses of virtual reality (VR) simulation technology for clinical purposes. In diverse fields including psychology, medicine, neuroscience, and physical and occupational therapy, the ICT MedVR group explores and evaluates areas where VR can add value over traditional assessment and intervention approaches. Areas of specialization are in using VR for mental health therapy, motor and cognitive skills rehabilitation, assessment, and clinical skills training.
Established in 1999 and sponsored by the U.S. Army, ICT brings film and game industry artists together with computer and social scientists to develop immersive environments for military training, health therapies, science education and more.
Dr. Rachel Proffitt recently published an article in Lower Extremity Review on the use of virtual reality technology and interventions for balance and lower extremity rehabilitation. She highlighted the work, recent accomplishments, and new study findings that have emerged from the Game-Based Rehabilitation Lab at USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship with extensive training in the lab, Dr. Proffitt now leads the lab and is currently partnering with researchers at the Kessler Foundation to explore the use of the developed Mystic Isle rehabilitation tool as a balance intervention for patients and veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. You can read the article here