The Interactive Rehabilitation Exercise, or IREX, is a virtual reality system that is being used at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to help patients with strength, endurance and balance problems.
How It Works
The IREX system consists of a computer loaded with virtual reality software, a digital camera and a monitor.
The camera projects the patient’s image on the monitor, which also shows a virtual reality environment such as a ski hill, soccer field or shark-filled ocean.
The patient interacts with the environment by catching or kicking balls, ducking to escape danger, or moving to avoid an obstacle.
One of the advantages of the IREX is that it can be set up to meet a particular patient’s needs. For example, the virtual environment can be customized so the user is required to use the weaker side of his body to interact with the environment.
In addition to encouraging use of an affected limb, the IREX also offers purposeful, creative and challenging therapy.
Who May Benefit From IREX
A variety of patients can benefit from the IREX, including those recovering from spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury.
For More Information
Therapy using the IREX requires a physician’s order. If you’re interested in receiving this type of therapy, discuss it first with your doctor. For more information, call 612-863-7642.
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550 E-mail us
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