Estela Vilhena

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About

Dr. Estela Vilhena is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of virtual reality, game design, and physical rehabilitation. Her primary research areas include immersive therapeutic interventions, human-computer interaction for motor recovery, and the gamification of physiotherapy protocols. Dr. Vilhena’s most notable contribution is her development of a VR game-based approach for shoulder rehabilitation, which leverages affordable commercial headsets to transform tedious exercises into engaging, interactive experiences. Her landmark 2024 study, which has already garnered 3 citations, demonstrated that patients using her VR system exhibited significantly reduced nervousness and reported higher motivation during therapy sessions compared to traditional methods. This work is particularly impactful because it addresses two critical barriers in rehabilitation: patient adherence and the high cost of specialized equipment. By repurposing accessible gaming technology, Dr. Vilhena has opened new pathways for home-based recovery, potentially reducing clinic visits while improving outcomes. Her research is widely recognized for bridging the gap between entertainment technology and clinical practice, making her a leading voice in the growing field of digital therapeutics.