VR glasses - also called virtual reality headsets - are opaque glasses in which two screens are integrated instead of the normal glasses. A virtual reality can be displayed on these screens. This gives you the impression of actually being in this other world. The VR glasses also detect head movements due to the built-in sensors, so you can look around in this virtual world and interact with it in most cases.

Virtual reality offers several advantages for rehabilitation. On the one hand, it is possible to train potentially dangerous situations again and again without actual danger. In addition, many activities of daily living are difficult to train several times in a row, whereas this is easier in virtual reality. Furthermore, virtual reality is location-independent due to mobile technical devices. Numerous scientific publications suggest the use of virtual reality for therapy and treatment of various diseases. If you would like to learn more about the scientific basis, please read on here.

No, virtual reality is not harmful for health in principle. However, you should consider safety and warning information before using virtual reality. Some people may have health conditions for which use is not recommended.

The use of VR devices and controllers has potential health and safety risks. You can find a detailed explanation in the accompanying documents and health and safety warnings, which we will of course include with your order. The full health and safety warnings can be found here.

Do not use the headset when you are experiencing any of the following (as it may increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms):

Before you start using the VR device

Below is a brief summary of the risks that should be taken into consideration before using VR goggles:

• if you are tired
• if you need sleep
• if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• if you are are hung-over
• if you are having digestive problems
• if you suffer emotional stress or anxiety
• if you are suffering from the flu or influenza
• if you are suffering headaches, migraine or earaches.

The use of VR-devices could worsen your constitution or your symptoms.

Seizures

Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have severe dizziness, seizures, eye or muscle twitching or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV, playing video games or experiencing virtual reality, even if they have never had a seizure or blackout before or have no history of seizures or epilepsy. Such seizures are more common in children and young people. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should discontinue use of the headset and see a doctor. If you previously have had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition you should see a doctor before using the headset.

Discomfort

Immediately discontinue using the headset if any of the following symptoms are experienced: • Seizures; • Loss of awareness; • Eye strain; • Eye or muscle twitching; • Involuntary movements; • Altered, blurred, or double vision or other visual abnormalities; • Dizziness; • Disorientation; • Impaired balance; • Impaired hand-eye coordination; • Excessive sweating; • Increased salivation; • Nausea; • Lightheadedness; • Discomfort or pain in the head or eyes; • Drowsiness; • Fatigue; • Any symptoms similar to motion sickness.

Just as with the symptoms people can experience after they disembark a cruise ship, symptoms of virtual reality exposure can persist and become more apparent hours after use. These post-use symptoms can include the symptoms above, as well as excessive drowsiness and decreased ability to multi-task. These symptoms may put you at an increased risk of injury when engaging in normal activities in the real world.

Repetitive Stress Injury

Using the device may make your muscles, joints, neck, hand(s), or skin hurt. If any part of your body becomes tired or sore while using the headset or its components, or if you feel symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness, stop and rest for several hours before using it again. If you continue to have any of the above symptoms or other discomfort during or after use, stop use and see a doctor.

Interference with Medical Devices.

The headset and controller(s) may contain magnets or components that emit radio waves, which could affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids and defibrillators. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, do not use the headset and controller without first consulting your doctor or the manufacturer of your medical device. Maintain a safe distance between the headset and controller and your medical devices. Stop using the headset and/or controller(s) if you observe a persistent interference with your medical device.

Some people report mild nausea, mild headaches, or mild dizziness the first few times they use virtual reality. These symptoms are also called motion sickness. They sometimes occur when the vestibular organ and the eyes report two different signals to the brain. For example, the vestibular organ "says" "We're not moving - we're sitting" and the eyes report "We're riding a roller coaster and moving forward very quickly." This conflict between the eyes and the balance organ can cause "confusion" in the brain and lead to nausea, dizziness or headaches. However, at living brain we take care in each of our applications to not create conflicting signals between the eyes and the organ of balance. Therefore we are giving our best to minimize the risk of motion sickness as much as possible. For more detailed information on side effects, please refer to the VR headset manufacturer's health and safety warnings here.