99992 - REALTA' VIRTUALE

Course contents

The course introduces the theoretical principles and clinical applications of Virtual Reality (VR) in rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on the role of immersive and non-immersive technologies in the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. The course integrates technological knowledge with the principles of Evidence-Based Rehabilitation and clinical reasoning.

The course covers the following topics:

• historical development of virtual reality and definition of immersive, semi-immersive and non-immersive technologies;
• operating principles of virtual reality systems and the main human–computer interaction interfaces;
• neurophysiological and neuroscientific mechanisms supporting the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation;
• current applications of virtual reality in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation;
• criteria for selecting patients, therapeutic goals and virtual reality systems;
• scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of virtual reality across the main rehabilitation settings;
• limitations, challenges, ethical considerations and future perspectives for the implementation of virtual reality in clinical practice;
• guided discussion of clinical cases and critical appraisal of scientific studies investigating the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation.

The course also promotes the development of transferable skills related to the critical evaluation of digital health technologies, appraisal of scientific literature, and integration of technological innovations into evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials

Lecture slides will be made available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale).

For each topic, selected scientific papers, systematic reviews, international clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents will be provided through the Virtual Learning Environment and will be accessible via the University Library System.

 

Further readings

Additional literature on emerging applications of virtual reality, augmented reality and immersive technologies in rehabilitation will be recommended throughout the course

Teaching methods

The course is delivered through in-presence lectures.

Teaching activities include:

• interactive lectures supported by multimedia presentations;
• demonstration of virtual reality technologies and rehabilitation applications;
• guided discussion of clinical cases;
• critical appraisal of scientific literature;
• clinical reasoning exercises aimed at identifying the indications, limitations and potential benefits of virtual reality across different rehabilitation settings.

Teaching materials and scientific articles will be made available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale).

Assessment methods

Learning assessment consists of a computer-based multiple-choice examination, followed by feedback on the overall performance.

The examination is designed to assess:

• knowledge of the theoretical principles of virtual reality;
• understanding of the mechanisms supporting its use in rehabilitation;
• the ability to critically interpret the available scientific evidence;
• the ability to identify the main clinical indications for virtual reality interventions;
• understanding of the limitations and future perspectives of immersive technologies.

The examination lasts about 20 minutes.

During the examination, the use of textbooks, lecture notes, electronic devices or any other supporting material is not permitted.

The course assessment is based on a pass/fail evaluation.

Students obtain a Pass upon:

• attendance of the scheduled learning activities;
• successful completion of the final assessment.

No mid-term assessments or pre-examination assignments are required.

 

Use of Artificial Intelligence

With regard to assessment, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is prohibited. Any use of AI during the examination constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

 

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) are encouraged to contact the University's support services well in advance so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged, consistently with the learning outcomes of the course

Teaching tools

The following learning resources will be made available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale):

• lecture slides; 
• scientific articles;
• systematic reviews;
• international clinical practice guidelines;
• consensus documents;
• demonstration videos of virtual reality technologies;
• additional learning resources.

Generative Artificial Intelligence may be used as a study support tool, for example to summarise learning materials, rephrase concepts and facilitate self-assessment. Students remain responsible for critically evaluating the scientific accuracy and reliability of AI-generated outputs before incorporating them into their learning process.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Turolla