Virtual reality training for neck pain

The University of Queensland (UQ) is seeking volunteers to investigate the effect of a virtual reality device for neck pain.

Developer Dr Hilla Sarig-Bahat of the University of Haifa, Israel, will bring the device to the University of Queensland next month (July 2012).

She developed the device as part of her PhD studies at the University of Haifa in 2010.

Her research findings demonstrated the ability of the system to diagnose patients with neck pain and evaluate their impairment accurately, better than existing methods.

The device was also found to be effective as a virtual training device to improve neck disorders.

Dr Sarig-Bahat will collaborate with UQ researchers from the Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury & Health.

“My ultimate goal is to achieve an effective method for clinical evaluation and treatment that would shorten recovery and prevent chronic condition,” Dr Sarig-Bahat said.

You may be suitable for this study if you are:

• Aged between 18 and 65;
• Have had at least two months of neck pain and disability.

If you are interested in participating in the study or would like any more information please contact Dr Julia Treleaven on 3365 4568 or j.treleaven@uq.edu.au.