Virtual reality may shape the future of pediatric rehabilitation
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet aim to improve care and recovery with the help of emerging technologies. A newly awarded research grant of SEK 29 million from Vinnova, will enable the launch of an XR Competence Center—paving the way for a new approach to rehabilitation for children and young people.
Rehabilitation can be challenging—especially for children recovering from illness or injury. Now, researchers at Karolinska Institutet plan to use XR technologies—virtual, augmented, and mixed reality—to create tools that allow therapy to continue at home, in engaging and effective ways.
“Our goal is to increase patient engagement and improve clinical outcomes,” says Eva Broström, researcher at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health.
The project, Rehabilitation, from hospital to home, using XR technology, will develop digital platforms combining motion capture, 3D visualization, and “digital twins”—virtual representations of a patient’s body and function. These tools allow therapy to be tailored to each individual, based on real-time data and progress.
A key focus is making therapy enjoyable and interactive, through gamified environments. Healthcare providers can also monitor results and adjust treatment in real-time.
“The grant enables us to launch an XR competence center at KI and collaborate closely with clinics and technology partners such as the Rehab team, 3D-center och the Movement lab at Astrid Lindgrens Barnsjukhus, the Karolinska University hospital, Hypr10, DevinSense, Svexa and the Stanford Chariot Program, Stanford University. This interdisciplinary effort allows us to build scientifically grounded and user-friendly solutions,” says Eva Broström.
The project will begin after the summer, with long-term goals of making rehabilitation more accessible, personalized, and effective—especially for young patients.