World's First Virtual Limb
New computer generated limb for amputees suffering from Phantom Limb Pain.
Scientists at Manchester University have come across a new computer system that helps amputees to see and move their 'phantom limb'.
Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) is a condition which causes discomfort felt by a person with a limb missing due to amputation. A new experiment is running at Manchester University for patients who have previously had limbs amputated. It is being tested on two women and three men all aged between 56 and 65, who lost limbs from one to forty years ago.
By putting on a headset, the patients can see and move their 'phantom limb'. The patients will see themselves intact with their lost limb and they are able to control their computer generated limb using other arms or legs on their body.
Dr. Craig Murray, from the School of Physcological Sciences said, " One patient felt that the fingers of her amputated hand were continually clenched in her palm, which was painful for her, however after just one session of using the virtual system she began to feel movement in her fingers and the pain began to ease."
Whilst wearing this headset, patients have complex hand-eye coordination. They can also use their virtual limb to play ball games. Most people who have tried out this new system found relief from pain instantly; research has found that when a person's brain is 'tricked' into believing they can see and move a 'phantom limb'.
The University of Manchester hope to increase the number of patients they can help suffering with PLP using this new technology.
Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) is a condition which causes discomfort felt by a person with a limb missing due to amputation. A new experiment is running at Manchester University for patients who have previously had limbs amputated. It is being tested on two women and three men all aged between 56 and 65, who lost limbs from one to forty years ago.
By putting on a headset, the patients can see and move their 'phantom limb'. The patients will see themselves intact with their lost limb and they are able to control their computer generated limb using other arms or legs on their body.
Dr. Craig Murray, from the School of Physcological Sciences said, " One patient felt that the fingers of her amputated hand were continually clenched in her palm, which was painful for her, however after just one session of using the virtual system she began to feel movement in her fingers and the pain began to ease."
Whilst wearing this headset, patients have complex hand-eye coordination. They can also use their virtual limb to play ball games. Most people who have tried out this new system found relief from pain instantly; research has found that when a person's brain is 'tricked' into believing they can see and move a 'phantom limb'.
The University of Manchester hope to increase the number of patients they can help suffering with PLP using this new technology.