How We Got The Photo: Virtual reality gaming not just for entertainment

I spent a lot of time at Aladdin's Castle arcade in our small town mall of Pekin, Illinois, as a teenager. That was the place to hang out and stay out of trouble, so to speak. So, playing video games now with my daughters has always been fun family time.

We played games using Nintendo systems such as N64, GameCube and Wii. Today, there is a new type of computer game in play - virtual reality. Virtual reality, or VR, is a technology that immerses the user in game action using goggles, sensors and hand controllers.

VR is not only for entertainment. Trial programs are under way using VR for stroke patients. I was assigned to photograph a therapy session at Northwestern Medicine's Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton.

A technician fitted 80-year-old stroke patient David Gerfen with the gear and walked him through a series of activities via a handheld tablet. He worked on posture and balance as he assembled a sandwich or swatted at a moving ball.

I love the photograph of David. It has a futuristic feel that leaves us wondering what he is seeing. He was so calm and focused as he completed the exercises.

David's technician and wife have seen improvements in his balance and coordination. Marianjoy doctors like the program as it keeps the patients engaged during therapy.

"We're hoping with this new type of technology that patients will be more interested in doing therapy because it's different," said Dr. Mahesh Ramachandran, the hospital's chief medical officer and a stroke rehabilitation specialist. "It's a little bit more exciting and fun, rather than doing a monotonous type of routine exercise."