More than just entertainment
Games are no longer just a distraction from everyday life or entertainment for young people. Today, their potential is utilized in many fields. Due to their interactive nature and ability to engage, games help develop skills, simulate complex scenarios, and even improve health. This variety of applications proves that games can be not only fun but also useful tools in the most unexpected fields. Especially when combined with virtual reality. Below we will look at specific examples of the use of games and technology in medicine.
Using games in MedTech
What is virtual reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that allows the creation of digital spaces that fully mimic the real world or create new, fantasy environments. With the help of special devices such as VR glasses or helmets, users can immerse themselves in interactive universes, interact with their elements, and get the full effect of presence. The basis of virtual reality is a combination of graphics, sounds, and sometimes tactile sensations, which are fully immersive. Together with games, this technology can be used for both patients and staff. This technology is just beginning its development, so we will see more of its use in the future.
For patients
Virtual reality, games, and working with children
Children are some of the most challenging patients, as doctors must not only provide treatment but also find an approach to each child, gaining their trust and leaving a positive impression. This is especially important in cases of painful procedures such as injections or dressings, which often cause fear and stress. Virtual Reality (VR) becomes an indispensable tool in these situations: it helps to distract the child by immersing them in fascinating worlds where fear and pain recede into the background. Researches confirm that the use of VR reduces the perception of pain, making the medical experience less traumatic for young patients. This is due to the fact that our brains cannot concentrate fully on more than one aspect. It can also be used during surgeries. Children can safely lie on the table and play on a console during a non-serious operation, distracting them from fear and negative thoughts.
Gaming Rehabilitation and Fitness
Modern technology is transforming the rehabilitation process from routine to fun. The use of gaming apps and virtual reality helps patients recover faster by combining therapeutic exercises with gaming elements. For adults recovering from strokes or injuries, VR games are used to practice motor skills, movement coordination, and balance. For example, patients can ‘catch’ virtual objects or control actions in the game, which not only develops physical abilities but also stimulates brain activity. They make rehabilitation less monotonous and more comfortable, which increases the chances of a successful recovery.
In combination with various trackers, doctors can monitor the effects of exercise on the body. This method can also be used simply for sport and fitness. Games such as Dance Central, Dance Revolution, and Beat Saber provide significant cardio exercise and allow people to compete against each other.
Distraction and stress relief
Games are becoming an important tool for distracting patients from the physical and emotional difficulties associated with treatment or rehabilitation. They help patients focus on something positive, reducing stress, anxiety, and even pain levels. Games can be whatever they are, from shooters to action RPGs. Immersive gaming allows patients to temporarily forget about their problems, creating a comfortable space where they can relax and restore inner balance. In this way, games become not just entertainment but a therapeutic tool to help cope with emotional and physical challenges.
For many patients, playing Diablo 4 for example, it is important to have access to resources and Diablo 4 gold to avoid unnecessary stress associated with the lack of in-game currency. In such cases, a great solution is the ability to buy Diablo 4 gold and other game currencies through special platforms. There are a lot of places that offer D4 gold for sale, but you need to choose time-tested points. This allows you to avoid routine and focus on enjoying the gameplay.
For doctors
Games open up many opportunities for medical professionals, becoming a valuable tool in their practice and training. Thanks to gaming technology, doctors can practice complex procedures in a safe virtual environment, simulating various scenarios and operations they might encounter in real life. This helps to develop a speed of decision-making, accuracy of movement, and teamwork. Often these simulation games are based on virtual reality, but there are also several conventional games that can help to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
Conclusion
Virtual reality games and technologies have become an integral part of the modern approach to medicine, offering innovative solutions for both patients and doctors. Their unique properties allow not only to improve the physical and emotional state of people but also to improve the professional skills of medical specialists. It is no longer just a tool, but an entire ecosystem capable of adapting to different tasks. In this progress lies a huge potential that has yet to be unlocked, which opens up new horizons for the health and well-being of every person.
