Feature

reArmenia Collaborates with MetaGait to Expand Access to Remote Rehabilitation Technology in Armenia

• By Dr Anush Gasparyan
• Armenia
• Jun 07, 2023

Feature

reArmenia, an online platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and solving challenges faced by Armenians globally, is pleased to announce its partnership with MetaGait, the creators of a revolutionary remote rehabilitation tool. The collaboration aims to raise funds and expand access to MetaGait devices in Armenia, benefiting individuals with mobility impairments, including children with medical impairments (MICs) and disabled military personnel.

The reArmenia platform was established by Armenians in response to the 44-day war, with the goal of uniting people worldwide to collaborate and address existing problems in Armenia and the diaspora. Through reArmenia, a transparent collaborative environment has been provided for Armenians across the globe, leading to effective and life-changing developments. The creation of reArmenia serves as a remarkable example of successful collaboration, with numerous individuals and organizations coming together to realize the platform's vision.

By becoming a "caring reArmenian," users can leverage their knowledge, expertise, networks, and funds to create their own projects and support others within the community. The platform serves as a hub for Armenians seeking information, experience, connections, and funding for their initiatives, projects, and activities, with a focus on addressing issues related to Armenia and Armenians.

MetaGait is an exceptional innovation featured on the reArmenia platform. Developed by QaylTech, a multidisciplinary team comprising kinesiologists, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, physicians, engineers, programmers, and virtual reality specialists, MetaGait is a remote rehabilitation tool designed to restore mobility for individuals with cerebral palsy and military veterans. It offers a unique virtual reality experience, transporting patients into various walking environments while simulating their natural walking motions.

The MetaGait device is the world's first remote rehabilitation tool, with the capability to prevent over 30 ailments caused by impaired walking, some of which can be fatal. Through its advanced technology, the device creates new neural connections in the brain, activating neuromuscular memories and delivering dynamic impacts on the locomotor system. It reduces the risk of osteoporosis, stimulates the respiratory system, improves blood circulation, prevents infections of the urinary tract, restricts degeneration of tendons and joints, and enhances psychological and emotional well-being.

The MetaGait device incorporates virtual glasses that turn the rehabilitation process into an entertaining experience. By combining treatment with interactive games, users can form teams, contributing to the recovery of neuronic centers and the establishment of new neural connections. These virtual games offer leisure activities during exercise, activate brain muscle memory, and positively impact emotional states by allowing virtual sightseeing and travel.

Crucially, the MetaGait device enables remote monitoring by transmitting important treatment information to therapists, facilitating distant medical care. Regular usage of the device has the potential to restore patients' independence in walking.

It is worth noting that MetaGait is predominantly produced in Armenia, with the exception of the imported VR headset, an Oculus Quest 2. The device holds a patent and is primarily used for charitable purposes in Armenia, benefiting soldiers and veterans in their recovery journey. However, in order to create more devices for Armenians, there is a need to explore international markets to generate funds that will support the production of additional devices in Armenia.

The partnership between MetaGait and reArmenia aims to bridge the gap between the diaspora and Armenia and Artsakh, fostering collaboration and fundraising to create more MetaGait devices in Armenia. Currently, only a limited number of devices are available in the country, primarily in rehabilitation centers and individual patient homes. By fundraising on the reArmenia platform, the goal is to create 35 new MetaGait devices, which will be allocated to rehabilitation facilities for children with MICs and disabled military personnel in need of immediate assistance.