Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly used by businesses to provide 360 degree tours of their offices, services and facilities to potential clients. However, its advantages branch beyond great commercial uses, including helping stroke patients.

The Stroke Department at The Countess of Chester Hospital wants to use VR headsets to stimulate recovery after a stroke, helping patients to practice daily activities to improve their everyday skills.

It was the idea of The University of Chester’s Medical Graphics team, who joined forces with the hospital for the initiative after being awarded £453,000 from Innovate UK.

Professor Nigel John from the University of Chester said the technology will help cut down on recovery time and long-term healthcare costs, as it will help boost rehabilitation at home and in the hospital.

“The VR stroke programmes will adapt to each user’s needs and can be operated with minimal supervision,” he stated, adding: “Patients will be able to measure how well their cognitive abilities are improving, building confidence in their ability to perform every day tasks and reducing the psychological trauma often associated with the condition.”

These daily jobs include making toast or a cup of tea, but offering specialist therapy to provide assistance to re-learn these repetitive tasks can be time-consuming and costly.

According to the university, £9 billion is spent in the UK every year for stroke patients, with half of this amount going towards direct formal care, such as hospital stays, therapy and treatment.

This comes after Starlight Children’s Foundation revealed it is using VR headsets to distract sick kids from feelings of pain, loneliness and fear by taking them out of their reality, reported VR Focus.