Piloting a plane with a sore neck might sound dangerous, but Queensland researchers reckon it could actually help with rehabilitation.
Julia Treleaven, from the University of Queensland's Whiplash Research Unit, is testing virtual reality technology that allows patients with neck pain to play a game that uses head movements to control a plane.
"Training is in the form of three games designed to improve aspects of neck movement," Dr Treleaven said.
"The patient's head controls the pilot of a small red plane that has to fly into floating targets.
"It is fun, interactive, motivating, pain-distracting and functional."
People with neck pain experience decreased accuracy in speed of movement in their neck, which exacerbates pain and impacts on functionality.
The virtual reality goggles, created by physiotherapist Dr Hilla Bahat, assess and treat neck movement control.
The university is calling on volunteers with neck pains, aged 18 to 65, to test the device, which they can take home to use.
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