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VR distraction for painful hand ROM

Some programs use immersive visuals to help people tolerate stretching and range-of-motion work. On this site we describe the movement-unlocks-progress idea and link to existing web-guided exercises you can use today. A dedicated headset experience is planned separately (devplan 47).

Exercise libraryZero-touch session

Core principle

The intended headset experience advances calming scenery only when a rep or hold meets clinician-tuned rules (range, smoothness, hold time). That ties painful work to an immediate, non-punitive reward. Missed reps should never trigger harsh feedback — the world simply waits.

Who it is for (conceptual cohorts)

  • burn_inpatient — template slot for inpatient burn ROM, severe trauma / post-op hand, pediatric vs adult pacing (content libraries in MVP2).
  • trauma_hand — template slot for inpatient burn ROM, severe trauma / post-op hand, pediatric vs adult pacing (content libraries in MVP2).
  • pediatric — template slot for inpatient burn ROM, severe trauma / post-op hand, pediatric vs adult pacing (content libraries in MVP2).
  • adult_outpatient — template slot for inpatient burn ROM, severe trauma / post-op hand, pediatric vs adult pacing (content libraries in MVP2).

MVP exercise bridge (web today)

Devplan MVP1 targets three movement families. These existing guided exercises are the closest web equivalents for demos and homework:

  • Tendon glides — Move the finger tendons through their full range with five gentle hand positions to reduce stiffness and adhesions.
  • Wrist range of motion — Slow wrist movements through bend, extend, and side-to-side to maintain comfortable joint mobility.
  • Thumb opposition — Touch the tip of each finger with the thumb to rebuild fine motor control for buttons, keys, and writing.

Planned environments (MVP1)

Low clutter, low nausea risk, clear forward cue — IDs for future asset packs:

  • underwater_path
  • cloud_corridor
  • forest_clearing

VR safety & infection control (checklist)

  • Seated mode; guardian / boundary; avoid sudden camera accelerations.
  • Respect ROM limits set by the clinician — software must not gamify past safe caps.
  • Shared headsets: follow unit policy for covers, wipe-down agents compatible with headset materials, and time to dry.
  • Default short sessions (concept cap 12 minutes) until a clinician lengthens.

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