Tovic Salvador

UP Manila researchers develop VR game to help treat patients with cerebral palsy, dementia

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) unveiled Tuesday a pioneering virtual reality game developed to support therapy for patients with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or dementia.Called the Immersive Gamification Technology System or ImGTS, the project is a product of research by a team of doctors and experts from the University of the Philippines Manila. The system is designed to aid patients by combining immersive virtual experiences with gamified therapeutic exercises that can improve both cognitive and motor functions.Dr. Maria Eliza Aguila, project leader of ImGTS and a member of the UP Manila research group AXEL, explained that the technology encourages engagement and motivation among patients, particularly children with cerebral palsy and limited mobility, as well as elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease experiencing dementia.“Immersive kasi inilalagay namin iyong bata sa isang kapaligiran na hindi talagang iyon ang kapaligiran niya, iyong virtual environment. Nakikilaro sa kanya kung ano man iyong nasa virtual environment na iyon,” said Dr. Aguila.“Tapos gamified kasi exercise siya pero hindi niya (patient) namamalayan na nag-exercise siya. Kasi ang alam niya, halimbawa, habang nakatuon iyong gawain sa balance, ang alam niya, naghahagis siya ng ball, kumukuha siya ng bowling ball, hinahagis niya, tinatamaan niya iyong aliens, gano&#x27;n,” she added.Aguila noted that this form of treatment is the first of its kind in the Philippines to use a VR game to improve walking, strength, and balance in patients with cerebral palsy and dementia.Currently, ImGTS is undergoing Phase 2 of clinical trials. It has two main research components: one focused on children with cerebral palsy and another on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.“Medyo nakarami na kami ng pag-test. Nasubukan na ito ng mga ibang therapist, ibang doktor, ng ibang engineer, ibang computer scientist, ng mga batang may cerebral palsy, mga pamilya nila. Gusto namin pang palawigin yung pag-tetest para tiyak namin na talagang nakakabuti siya ng balanse, ng lakas, saka ng paglalakad,” said Aguila.Funded with P7 million from the DOST-PCHRD, the system has already been tested by various medical professionals.It currently includes three game modules, with plans to expand both its game offerings and overall system design.UP Manila is eyeing broader implementation, aiming to make ImGTS available in hospitals, clinics, and underserved areas where therapists may not be accessible. The vision is to offer a fun, interactive, and scientifically backed therapy tool that can be integrated into the country’s healthcare system.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) unveiled Tuesday a pioneering virtual reality game developed to support therapy for patients with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and dementia.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) unveiled Tuesday a pioneering virtual reality game developed to support therapy for patients with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and dementia.