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BILOXI, Miss. -- The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System recently accepted a donation of three virtual reality (VR) systems from Penumbra, Inc., to bolster Veteran kinesiology and

occupational therapeutic activities. “These innovative systems will allow our Veterans to participate in unique therapy to improve their rehabilitation,” said GCVHCS Innovation Specialist

Sheena Strong, R.N. “Although these devices will initially be used in our kinesiology and occupational therapy clinics, we’re always looking for new methods to expand our capabilities.” The

REAL® virtual reality system is comprised of a headset, sensors for the user’s upper body and neck, and a tablet for controlling the more than one dozen applications designed to treat

individuals facing several health issues. The treatable conditions range from chronic neck and back pain to traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation. “This type of technology is just

one example of how we envision new methods of providing top-notch care to Gulf Coast-area Veterans,” said Strong, who notes the donation was coordinated by the Veterans Health

Administration Innovation Ecosystem’s partnership with SoldierStrong, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The system's activities promote physical rehabilitation and cognitive function

through a series of applications viewed by the user through the device's VR goggles. Each application has multiple intensity levels focusing on range of motion, core and balance, and

cognition. The system allows a therapist to supervise and customize activities, with data captured through the sensors. “This technology provides direct rehabilitation with goal-oriented

tasks with a purpose,” said GCVHCS Supervisory Occupational Therapist David Grizzard. “This translates into a functional activity of daily living.” GCVHCS Kinesiotherapy Supervisor Dusti

O'Berry said the advent of this modernized form of therapy within Gulf Coast VA’s options for treatment once again cement the organization as a frontrunner in innovative health care.

“As the largest health care system in the U.S., VA must set the standard for innovative medical treatment,” O’Berry said. “VR is an ideal treatment tool to provide comprehensive

rehabilitation and having this system here is another method in our quest toward being a high-reliability organization. Innovative technology such as this could ultimately foster trust in

our Veterans.” The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, comprised of the Biloxi VA Medical Center; the Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola, Florida, and the Mobile, Alabama, and

Eglin and Panama City Beach Community-based Outpatient Clinics, provide a variety of health care services to more than 82,000 Veterans.