Realtime physical simulator for virtual reality sailing by patients with spinal cord injury: an innovative voyage

Health Open Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.12688/healthopenres.13582.2 · Published: September 11, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores if using a VSail® simulator can help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) learn to sail safely and competently. Participants followed a program to master sailing techniques like steering, sail trimming, tacking, and gybing. The primary goal was achieved: participants who completed the VSail® training could sail on the water.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

20 participants with SCI

Evidence Level

Pilot study

Key Findings

1
Participants who completed the VSail® training were able to sail on the water at the Downtown Sailing Center in Baltimore.
2
Most subjects showed a decrease in depression, physical and social limitations, and an improvement in physical tests after training.
3
All demonstrated a rapid and substantial improvement in their sailing scores.

Research Summary

This study provided evidence that people with SCI, using the VSail® technology, could learn to sail achieving a skill level permitting on water sailing. The study also provides evidence that this approach to rehabilitation can yield improvements in a number of physical and mental attributes, including QoL. This study provides evidence that the use of Virtual Sailing’s VSail® technology provides a flexible and adaptable pathway into sailing.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

VSail® technology offers a flexible and adaptable pathway into sailing, effectively teaching skills for on-water sailing to people with a wide range of abilities.

Improved Well-being

This approach to rehabilitation can yield improvements in physical and mental attributes, including quality of life, morale, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Community Reintegration

Sailing and recreational activities, facilitated by VSail®, have a major positive impact on the health and well-being of people with SCI and other disabilities.

Realtime physical simulator for virtual reality sailing by patients with spinal cord injury: an innovative voyage

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

Improved Well-being

Community Reintegration

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Realtime physical simulator for virtual reality sailing by patients with spinal cord injury: an innovative voyage

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

Improved Well-being

Community Reintegration

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?