New VR research project to help wheelchair users practise safe fall recovery

• VR program to help wheelchair users practise safe fall recovery and movement in real-world settings.
• UQ and NIISQ to co-design the program with people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and frontline clinicians.
• Delivering safer communities and practical health services through targeted rehabilitation research.

The Crisafulli Government is investing in new research which will use virtual reality to help people practise how to manage falls and navigate everyday environments safely, without risk of real-world injury.

The University of Queensland and the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ) are co-designing the VR program with people who use wheelchairs and frontline clinicians.

The project is currently in development before clinical trials are conducted by Metro South Health, with the Metro South Hospital and Health Service providing clinicians, trial space and pilot participants, subject to ethics approval.

From mid‑2027, the researchers plan to pilot the program in the in-patient spinal rehabilitation service at Princess Alexandra Hospital with an initial group of 10 participants.

NIISQ is funding the project to support research which aims to improve recovery, independence and long-term outcomes for people seriously injured in catastrophic incidents like motor vehicle accidents.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the project could be life changing for Queenslanders facing a difficult road to recovery.

“This is investing in cutting-edge research which aims to deliver real world improvements in recovery by giving people the opportunity to practise challenging situations safely and rebuild their confidence following injury,” Minister Bates said.

“Through NIISQ, the Crisafulli Government is backing programs which strengthen health outcomes and help Queenslanders live safely and confidently in their communities.”

NIISQ Acting CEO Gaenor Walker emphasised the impact of VR in providing safe and effective rehabilitation for individuals with SCI, fostering collaborative practices and improving outcomes.

“This project has the potential to make a real difference in improving outcomes for participants and fostering collaborative practices,” Ms Walker said.

University of Queensland lead researcher Dr Kathryn Marshall highlighted the collaborative approach to developing impactful and practical VR rehabilitation programs for real-world use.

“Through working collaboratively with clinicians and people with SCI, we aim to develop a program that is both impactful and practical for real-world use,” Dr Marshall said.

Metro South Health Chief Executive Noelle Cridland said Metro South Health was proud to support the project as the trial site.

“Research is an integral part of improving health and wellbeing for people in our community, and we are thrilled to support clinicians and patients to be involved in this innovative initiative,” Ms Cridland said.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Penny, 0439 882 294