Hanger, Austin, Texas, has launched MIGO, a virtual reality experience designed for people with limb loss and limb difference.
The initial MIGO 360-degree immersive video experience offers users an opportunity to have a first-person point-of-view interaction with another person who has an amputation. Users can experience a variety of activities, from walking down stairs, driving a car with two prosthetic legs, to cutting food with a prosthetic arm.
The initial rollout of MIGO VR occurred in mid-April at Hanger Clinic’s 2018 Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee (BAKA) Bootcamp. Nearly 60 attendees simultaneously used the technology, immersing themselves in a virtual one-on-one peer mentorship experience and viewing what it’s like to be independent with prosthetic technology. Many of the attendees were using wheelchairs and in the early stages of learning to walk with prostheses.
“Losing a limb can be traumatic, often compared to losing a loved one,” said Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP(D), vice president of prosthetics for Hanger Clinic. “I’m thrilled we’re now able to offer this new avenue for providing hope and inspiration, showing those with limb loss and limb difference what is possible with hard work, dedication, and the appropriate prosthetic devices.”
