We are big fans of VR! Starting this year we have several VR/AR kits we are loaning to our school libraries, complete with lesson plans they can use to connect classes with all kinds of great resources.

Sure, it’s fun to play with these. But virtual and augmented reality is playing an increasingly important role in a lot of other areas. We are going to look at a different use each week, so you can work with your community members to help them learn about the great things possible for them today, and tomorrow.

One really interesting use of VR is in helping people to reduce their perceptions of pain. We all know there is a real problem with pain relieving drugs, but people who are suffering need to have help with it just to get through their days.

We found some reports of a small study done, to measure how VR can provide that help.

“The scientists found reduced pain reported by those testing the technology versus those who weren’t, indicating that VR plays some role in disrupting pain pathways to the brain.”

“A team from Imperial used VR (Virtual Reality) video to reduce peoples’ scores of perceived ongoing pain as well their sensitivity to painful stimuli. According to the researchers, the findings add to the growing evidence for the potential of VR technology to help patients with chronic pain.

Beyond the distracting effect, they think immersing patients in VR may actually trigger the body’s own inbuilt pain-fighting systems – reducing their sensitivity to painful stimuli and reducing the intensity of ongoing pain. “

It is so cool to keep learning about new strategies we can use to help build better lives using some VR tools!