NIISQ partners with UQ to explore virtual reality (VR) for falls prevention and community mobility

The National Injury Insurance Agency, Queensland (NIISQ Agency) is proud to announce we have  finalised a new funding agreement with The University of Queensland. The project will explore the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to support falls management and community mobility training for wheelchair users with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

The research team will work with clinicians and people with SCI to co-design how VR could be used to provide immersive, realistic scenarios that allow individuals to safely experience and learn from simulated falls and community access challenges. The VR program will enhance the knowledge, confidence, and skills related to falls management and community mobility. Additionally, the project will explore the impact of the VR program on empathy and knowledge among caregivers and healthcare professionals, fostering improved practices and support for individuals with SCI.

This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovative, evidence-based rehabilitation practices that promote safe community participation for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

As part of NIISQ’s broader commitment to advancing impactful research and education, this project is one of many initiatives aimed at ensuring participants and service providers benefit from innovative, evidence-driven approaches to rehabilitation.

If you are interested in finding out more about this project, you are invited to contact Dr Kathryn Marshall at kathryn.marshall@uq.edu.au

For more information about the NIISQ Agency’s research and education initiatives, visit our Research and Education page. 

Read the Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training media statement