Simulator helps scarred soldiers

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Scientists from the University of Reading develop a virtual 3D simulator which depicts war zones in a bid to aid the recovery of British soldiers receiving therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Scientists are developing a virtual reality room recreating war scenes to help injured soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The research team, from the University of Reading, is working with scientists in the USA who have developed a similar system which uses a headset and laptop.

It uses "exposure therapy" where the soldiers are made to imagine themselves back in a war environment.

The 3D simulator is currently being tested but is dependant on funding.

It would be adapted to feature British uniforms, tanks and equipment which do not currently feature in the American model and could be tailor made to feature different situations.

'Coping mechanisms'

British soldiers could use the specially-adapted kit and then receive therapy as part of their recovery.

Professor Paul Sharkey, from the university's school of systems engineering, said therapists would assess the patient during the experience and would lead the patient through the events that led up to the traumatic event.

"We see it as a way of getting the exposure element," added Prof Sharkey.

"We would like to take the patients in initially and just give them a feel of being back in Iraq and the city.

"We give them the feel of being there through the sounds we play, gradually wrapping up the stress so the therapists can talk them back down through it so that they can build up these coping mechanisms."