Virtual-Augmented Reality in Therapeutic Medicine

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Digital Health Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 4 September 2026 | Viewed by 5

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Population Health in the College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
Interests: digital health solutions; mobile health; virtual reality; games for health; diagnostic nano-sensors; healthcare informatics; human–computer interaction; usability; design thinking

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
2. Center for Community Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Interests: technology-based interventions (e.g., virtual reality, mobile technology, sensors, tablet-based programs, and Jigsawdio) for cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life among people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) are transforming patient care by offering innovative solutions for healthcare across various medical fields. VR/AR are technologies used in therapeutic medicine to create immersive experiences that help manage pain, reduce anxiety and depression, and assist in cognitive training and multisensory rehabilitation for mobility and balance. VR provides a simulated environment for patients, while AR overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing patient treatment. Not only does VR/AR provide a controlled environment for physical and neurological therapy, but providers can also prescribe tailored interventions that adapt to patient needs. VR/AR has also shown considerable promise in improving cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment due to the effects of chemotherapy, early-stage dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and stroke, leading to improvements in memory, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

This Special Issue welcomes original research concerning the effects of VR/AR as therapeutic medicine, as demonstrated in scoping reviews, new innovative interventions, and therapeutic strategies to improve both brain and body health. This research aims to shed light on the multifaceted impact of VR/AR on patient care, with an exclusive focus on therapeutic treatments.

Prof. Dr. Anthony J. Faiola
Dr. Junhyoung Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • virtual reality
  • augmented reality
  • VR medicine
  • VR therapy
  • cognitive impairment
  • neurological therapy

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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