mediVR

mediVR Inc. is a medical device manufacturer that emerged from Osaka University in June 2016. The company was founded by Dr. Masahiko Hara, a cardiologist who, after graduating from Shimane University School of Medicine in 2005, specialized in treating conditions like myocardial infarction. During his practice, he frequently encountered patients who developed cerebral infarctions or hemorrhages as complications, leading to post-stroke disabilities that prevented them from returning home. This firsthand experience motivated Dr. Hara to explore the potential of virtual reality in rehabilitation, a journey that began with his work at Osaka University Hospital's Department of Future Medical Development and culminated in the establishment of mediVR.

The company's core business revolves around the planning, development, and sales of medical devices and systems that apply VR technology. Its flagship product is the "mediVR Kagura," a Class I medical device for rehabilitation that was launched in March 2019. This system is designed as a self-motivated exercise training device with measurement functions, targeting clients such as universities, rehabilitation hospitals, and nursing homes. mediVR's business model includes direct sales, leasing, and rental of the Kagura device, with revenue also generated from maintenance fees. A distinctive aspect of their strategy is the operation of performance-based rehabilitation centers, where fees are charged only upon achieving pre-set patient goals.

The mediVR Kagura product utilizes VR and 3D tracking technology to facilitate rehabilitation through gamified tasks. Patients, typically seated, perform reaching motions towards targets in a virtual space, which helps improve postural balance and dual-tasking cognitive functions without the need for external power. This approach is designed to be intuitive and engaging, encouraging voluntary participation even from patients with cognitive decline. Key features include the ability to quantitatively set tasks and evaluate performance, addressing the ambiguity often found in traditional rehabilitation. The system offers various game-like scenarios, such as catching falling objects, to make the exercises enjoyable. By not showing the user's own body in the immersive VR space, the therapy aims to enhance motor coordination. The device is intended for a broad range of patients, including those recovering from stroke or dealing with conditions like Parkinson's and Ataxia.

Keywords: medical VR, rehabilitation equipment, virtual reality therapy, stroke recovery, neurorehabilitation, posture control, cognitive training, dual-task training, quantitative assessment, Dr. Masahiko Hara, Osaka University startup, mediVR Kagura, physical therapy technology, assistive technology, healthcare technology, medical device, motor function improvement, balance training, gamified rehabilitation, neuroplasticity