Hadasit, the technology transfer company of Hadassah Medical Organization has commenced Phase II clinical trials of its virtual reality (VR) system for the treatment of chronic pain and stroke rehabilitation at Hadassah University Hospital. The virtual reality system employs a patent pending technology designed to utilize brain plasticity and enhance learning processes in patients who are unable to use their arms, hands, or shoulders due to stroke or chronic pain.
Hadasit will recruit a total of 90 post stroke patients for its Phase II trial, who will be followed for one year. The company said that early clinical data, generated from a study with a small number of patients, showed that the virtual reality system helps patients suffer less pain in their weak arm and perform better than patients who are not treated by the system.
Shimon Shiri, a rehabilitation psychologist at Hadassah and an inventor of the system said, "Essentially, brain mirror neurons are activated when humans perform an action, or when they observe themselves or others perform the same actions. The virtual experience activates the mirror neurons and induces a therapeutic effect on the brain that reduces pain and increases function. By viewing the movement of the arm without pain, the brain undergoes a corrective learning process."
Hadasit added that it had a pipeline of other products based on on the virtual reality technology including a device that combines virtual reality and biofeedback to treat tension headaches and migraines.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on September 5, 2007
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