Technical questions
What is Virtual Reality?
"Virtual Reality" (VR) in German also called "Virtuelle Realität" (VR), is a computer-generated reality that can be experienced with images and usually also with sound. In virtual reality, worlds can thus be artificially built with the computer. In many cases, it is possible to interact with this virtual world. There are different ways to experience virtual worlds, for example via multiple screens or via VR glasses. Areas of application can be e.g. education, entertainment or even therapy. For more information visit our technology page.
What are VR goggles?
VR glasses - also known as virtual reality headsets - are opaque glasses in which two screens have been integrated instead of the normal glasses. A virtual reality can be displayed on these screens. Thus, when using it, you get the impression of actually being in this other world. Thanks to the built-in sensors, the VR glasses also detect head movements so that you can look around in this virtual world and, in most cases, also interact with it.
Why does it make sense to use virtual reality for rehabilitation?
Virtual reality can be used advantageously for rehabilitation in four ways. VR makes it possible to train potentially dangerous situations without actual danger. In addition, numerous activities that are difficult to repeat in everyday life can easily be performed several times in succession in virtual reality.Furthermore, virtual reality can be used regardless of location through the use of mobile technical devices. A large number of scientific publications suggest the use of VR for therapy and treatment of a wide variety of diseases. To learn more about this scientific basis, feel free to continue reading on our "Studies" page.
Why is it useful to conduct cognitive training in virtual reality?
Virtual reality enables activities that are potentially dangerous or difficult to repeat in everyday life to be practiced several times in a row without risk. When making coffee, for example, no hot water exists in VR and an unlimited number of cups of coffee can be made until all action steps succeed safely again.
In addition, mobile technical devices enable location-independent therapy in virtual reality.
The therapy of various diseases using VR has already been investigated in numerous scientific studies and its use has been recommended. You can read more about this in the science section under "Studies".
What do I do when I feel sick?
We are very keen to avoid so-called "motion sickness", as VR-induced dizziness, headaches or nausea are also called. However, if you feel nauseous, stop use immediately and do not resume until symptoms have subsided. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms do not subside.
To avoid this in further applications, make sure that the VR goggles are correctly adjusted to you and that they see sharply. In addition, make sure to take regular breaks.
Also observe the health and safety instructions of the VR goggles!
Can I (still) wear my glasses while using the VR goggles?
The VR goggles we use can also be used with glasses. The delivery includes an additional spacer. Attach this to the VR glasses and then adjust them as usual.
Does the use of virtual reality have side effects?
When first using virtual reality, some people report mild nausea, mild headaches or mild dizziness. These symptoms are also called motion sickness. They sometimes occur when the vestibular organ and the eyes report two different signals to the brain. For example, the balance system "says" "We are not moving - we are sitting" and the eyes report "We are riding a roller coaster and moving forward very fast." This conflict between the eyes and the organ of balance can cause "confusion" in the brain and lead to nausea, dizziness or headaches.
To minimize the risk of motion sickness, we take care in each of our applications not to create conflicting signals between the eyes and the vestibular organ.
More detailed information about side effects can be found here in the Health and Safety Warnings of the VR headset manufacturer.
Is virtual reality harmful to health?
No, VR is generally not harmful to health. However, some people are advised against using it due to pre-existing health conditions. Therefore, before use, please read the safety instructions and warnings of the manufacturer.
Questions about the process
Can I test the product in advance?
You are welcome to test our product in advance. Please contact us via the contact form if you are interested.
How can I order the product?
To order teora® mind, feel free to contact us via our contact form.
How long do I have to use teora® mind/How long does the therapy last?
Each clinical picture is individual and requires correspondingly adapted therapy. Work with your practitioner to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
How long does a teora® mind training session last (at home/at the therapist's)?
We define a training unit or session as a unit of 30-45 minutes. However, please talk to your practitioner about what the ideal duration of use is for you.
I want to stop the therapy early, what do I have to do?
If you encounter challenges during therapy, please talk to your treatment provider about how to proceed.
I want to return the device early, what do I have to do?
If you do not wish to continue using teora® mind, please talk to your healthcare provider about how to proceed.
In which countries is teora® mind available?
teora® mind is currently widely used in Germany. teora® mind is, however, approved for use throughout Europe. The application will soon be available in Switzerland as well.
Does the health insurance pay teora® mind?
teora® mind is reimbursable for fully insured persons of the INTER Insurance Group since 01.02.2024. If you or your patient is insured with another provider, please contact the relevant health insurance company for more information
In addition, we are working on a model project with the German Pension Insurance to become reimbursable in rehabilitation and aftercare.
I have a technical problem with the VR goggles, who can I contact or what can/should I do?
If you encounter a technical hurdle, feel free to contact us via the contact form.
Requirements for use
What is teora® mind used for?
teora® mind is used for people who are significantly restricted in their independence, self-determination or daily living skills due to cognitive deficits. These cognitive impairments are associated with diseases that affect the nervous system. This could be, for example strokes, Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive impairment or traumatic brain injury.
What spatial requirements does the product need?
All exercises can be performed while sitting. Therefore, you need at least one seat and about 1.50m of free space in each direction so that the arms can be stretched out. You can also move around in the application by walking if you wish. In this case, you need a free area of 2×2 meters.
What technical conditions must be in place?
You do not need any additional technical equipment. Only a stable and password-protected W-LAN network is necessary.
What are the minimum cognitive requirements that the user should fulfill?
To use teora® mind, users need to be able to read and have intact speech comprehension. Furthermore, the application is recommended for patients with a score of more than 20 on the Mini Mental Status Test or more than 12 on MoCA.
What are the minimum physical requirements that the user should meet?
At least one arm and one hand must be movable for use.
In the current exercises, this includes the ability to voluntarily flex and extend the index and middle or ring fingers. The rotation of the head by about 60° to the right and left is necessary. Use with a visual aid is possible without problems; however, vision and perception ability in both eyes is elementary. In addition, an intact understanding of language as well as reading ability is required.
When should I not use teora® mind? (Contraindications)
The product is contraindicated for people who have a history of epileptic seizures due to visual stimuli, patients who have acute migraine and patients who have problems with balance.
During the first applications, so-called motion sickness (dizziness, headache, nausea) may occur. In this case, the application should be interrupted and resumed as desired after the symptoms have subsided. If the symptoms do not subside, please contact your doctor.
Please be sure to observe the health and safety warnings of the VR goggles.
Do I need my own VR goggles?
No. Our therapy software teora® mind is always delivered together with the required hardware. Your own glasses are not required.
I already have my own VR glasses, can I use teora® mind with them?
No, it is not possible to use teora® mind on devices other than those provided by us. Our software is optimized specifically for this hardware. Beyond that, this is unfortunately not possible due to remote maintenance and the installation of updates.
Can I use the product without VR glasses?
The teora® mind product is a software application explicitly designed for use in combination with VR glasses. Therefore, it is not possible to use the device without VR glasses.
From what age can teora® mind be used?
Generally, teora® mind is not age-restricted. However, children under the age of 13 are not advised to use the VR goggles by the manufacturer of the ones we use. For more information, please refer to the safety and health information.
I'm not very tech-savvy. Can I still use teora® mind?
When developing teora® mind, we placed great emphasis on ease of use and user-friendliness. The required software is preinstalled on both the tablet and the VR glasses. All you have to do is switch on the devices. In addition, we have received a lot of positive feedback from less tech-savvy users as well. Even users who, for example. Those who are skeptical about computer-based training usually find their way around quickly. By the way, our oldest user was 96 years old. Convince yourself of the uncomplicated handling in a free test phase.
Can I also use teora® mind as a private person?
Unfortunately, teora® mind cannot yet be purchased by private individuals for exclusive use in the domestic environment. Nevertheless, feel free to contact us to find out more
Evidence & testimonials
Are there any field reports?
We regularly receive positive feedback on teora® mind. You can read some testimonials on the home page.
Are there studies that testify to the success of teora® mind?
The effect of teora® mind has already been tested in a clinical study (RTC) in comparison with common treatment methods. In contrast to the control group, the VR group achieved significant improvements in the areas of planning and problem solving. For more information, please visit our studies page.
Is the product a certified medical device?
teora® mind is a CE-certified class 2a medical device. The certification complies with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and is valid throughout Europe. The intended use is for training in cognitive impairment.
Other questions
Where can I find the instructions for use?
You can obtain the instructions for use for teora® mind on our eIFU page.
Is there a similar product that works without VR?
The uniqueness of teora® mind is largely based on the fact that virtual reality can be used to simulate real-life situations and thus train real problems that people encounter in everyday life. In our opinion, this is not sufficiently possible without VR.
I have discovered a bug in the software. What can I do now?
We pay great attention to the quality of our products. Should you nevertheless find an error, please report it to us using the contact form (request: error message). We will take care of a solution as soon as possible! If you are unable to use the application due to this error, please let us know that as well. We will contact you immediately to solve the problem.
