In a bid to help patients suffering from brain stroke and spinal cord injuries recover faster and live a healthy life, MindMaze, a Swiss neuro technology company, has introduced an immersive virtual reality (IVR) neuro-rehabilitation solution designed for hospitals and will soon be bringing it into India. MindMaze is partnering with the P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai to place the first devices.

The technology with an enhanced user interface, including a lightweight, wearable Head Mounted Display (HMD) and 3D motion capture cameras offers patients immersive VR, gesture and multiple object/user recognition and augmented reality capabilities. The virtual reality application helps patient recover upto 33 per cent faster than the standard of care. The technology is cost effective intuitive human machine interface combining virtual reality, computer graphics, brain imaging & neuroscience, said Dr. Tej Tadi, the founder and CEO of MindMaze in an interaction with Pharmabiz.

Dr. Tadi who brings more than a decade of experience in neuroscience said, “We uniquely integrate these capabilities with neuroscience-based protocols to design real time feedback tailored to the user’s needs and abilities. MindMaze will redefine the future of neuro care by introducing path breaking, customized solutions to address challenges in neuro-rehabilitation. The company has brought together some of the leading minds working in neuroscience today to help patients recover from strokes and other brain injuries.”

Dr. Tadi who conceptualised and developed IVR application in neuro-rehabilitation for 12 years has successfully launched it in USA and Europe.

In a country like India where treatment options are limited and expensive for people living with disabilities after a stroke, virtual reality based solutions can maximize independence and strongly improve the quality of life for patients and care givers, he added.

He added, “Though earlier a majority of the patients have been in their 60s and older, we now see patients as young as 16 suffer brain stroke and need to get back to active life quickly. Current solutions have failed to optimize recovery. IVR can prove beneficial for such patients as it ensures faster recovery. Patients can use this along with their manual therapy and medication.”

Talking about expansion plans, he said, “In 2016 we hope to accelerate the introduction of MindMaze IVR in India. For this, we have a dedicated team to chart out an expansion plan in the country.”

Throwing light on his future plans, he added, “We have plans to come up with immersive virtual reality home based solutions for patients with brain stroke and spinal cord injuries. Doctors can monitor the progress of patients with a connected system facility. Their relatives can record the progress of the patients and send it to doctors and therapists for monitoring. Such solution will have a massive impact for patients living in remote areas.”