Entorno virtual enfocado en la rehabilitación del síndrome del túnel carpiano

Abstract

Access to rehabilitation therapies in Ecuador is limited, especially for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects hand mobility and requires professional treatments. This research project proposes an innovative solution using virtual reality environments created with Unity and haptic devices, optimizing rehabilitation processes in time and space by simulating a real physical environment. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Focus group interviews with healthcare professionals were conducted to identify suitable exercises for virtual rehabilitation, and prioritization matrices were used to select appropriate equipment. Additionally, an extensive literature review was carried out on VR technologies applied to rehabilitation and specific studies on CTS. The research included testing the virtual environment and integrating haptic devices. Finally, the T-Student statistical tool was used to compare limb mobility before and after treatment. The main results show that the virtual rehabilitation process is much more interactive and offers benefits in recovering the mobility of affected limbs. Additionally, the created environment is easy to use for anyone with this condition. It can be concluded that using virtual reality tools is an opportunity to innovate in virtual rehabilitation processes, improving people's quality of life and facilitating access to these therapies from anywhere in the world..