A virtual reality full-body suit designed for video games is being tested for use in rehabilitating patients suffering from long-term disabilities such as paraplegia.

UK start-up Teslasuit Project designed the virtual reality suit to give a sense of touch when playing virtual reality games. The suit provides stimulation such as heat and cold, shocks and weapon recoil to gamers, but is now being tested for its potential in helping those with muscle damage.

The suit was built to work with virtual reality goggles for gaming, but its founders have said future applications are likely to be more aligned with healthcare.

The company says the Teslasuit is being considered for use by paraplegics and those with physical disabilities, as the suit can be programmed to give muscle stimulation, exercising limbs which otherwise would require a trip to the doctor or a specialist. Stimulating limbs using the suit prevents muscles wasting, and with the suit it could be done from home and monitored with a smartphone.

Other applications could include post-stroke rehabilitation, balance problems, and using the suit to study the nervous system.