About the course

This course introduces learners to BITS FR (Functional Reality)—the next generation of interactive neurorehabilitation technology from Bioness. Participants will explore the scientific rationale supporting the use of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented or Mixed Reality (AR/MR), and Functional Reality (FR) as powerful therapeutic tools to enhance neuro recovery. Grounded in current research, this course examines how immersive, task-oriented, and multisensory experiences can promote neuroplasticity, motor learning, and cognitive engagement across a range of neurological and age-related conditions. Clinicians will learn to leverage these technologies to improve patient motivation, attention, endurance, and independence, while driving measurable gains in both cognitive and physical performance. Unique to Bioness, Functional Reality (FR) goes beyond digital immersion—placing patients in authentic, non-animated environments or therapist-directed real-world activities that align directly with their functional goals. This approach bridges the gap between simulation and everyday performance, helping clinicians meet each patient at their individual level of ability and promote meaningful skill transfer to daily living.

Therapeutic Applications of Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive virtual environments promote neuroplasticity and motor learning by engaging patients in task-specific, high-repetition activities that improve cognitive and physical performance.

Therapeutic Applications of Mixed Reality

Mixed Reality (MR): Digital cues layered onto real-world tasks enhance attention, coordination, and feedback, supporting skill carryover and functional retraining in natural settings.

Therapeutic Applications of Functional Reality

Functional Reality (FR): Unique to Bioness, real-world, therapist-guided experiences immerse patients in authentic environments to build independence, confidence, and meaningful real-life functional outcomes.

Curriculum

6 Chapters · 32 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to Bioness

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Bioness Mission

  2. 2

    Introduction to BITS Functional Reality (FR)

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      BITS FR Highlights

  3. 3

    Rationale for Use: Evidence Supporting Therapeutic VR in Neuro Rehab

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Evidence Supporting VR for OT, PT and SLP

  4. 4

    Guided Hands-on Lab

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Setting up Router

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Turning On Clinician Tablet

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Orientation to BITS FR Clinician Software on Tablet

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Removing Headset from Charging Case

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Orientation to Headset Hardware

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Orientation to Controllers and BITS FR Software in Headset

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Donning Headset on Patient

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Start-up Experience for Patient in Headset

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Steps to Start Therapy Session

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      BITS Program | User-Paced

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      BITS Program | Sequence

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      BITS Program | Smooth Pursuit

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Real-World Experience Module

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Real-World Interactive | Grocery Store 3 Aisle

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Real-World Interactive | Grocery Store 5 Aisle

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Real-World Interactive | Driving Sequence

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Real-World Interactive | Functional Journey

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Virtual Reality Activities Module

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Mixed Reality | 360 Cube

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Reporting

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      FR View, Complete Button & Passthrough Selections

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      System Shutdown

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Placing Headset in Charging Case

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Checking Headset & Controller Battery Level in Software

  5. 5

    Technical Assistance

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Rest View in Headset

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      How to set manual IPD Adjustment

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Troubleshooting Controllers

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Troubleshooting Headset & Tablet Connection

  6. 6

    Clinical Proficiency Test

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Clinical Profiency Test

Instructor

Wendy Warfield, MHA, OTR/L, is the Sr. Manager of Education at Bioness Medical and brings over two decades of experience as an Occupational Therapist to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland. Wendy has treated a broad range of adult and pediatric patients across inpatient and outpatient settings, with a strong focus on neurological rehabilitation. Her work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute: International Center for Spinal Cord Injury helped shape her expertise in Activity-Based Therapy (ABT) approaches and advanced clinical applications of functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices. For over 15 years, Wendy has delivered courses on integrating advanced neurorehabilitation technologies into clinical practice, with an emphasis on FES therapies, both nationally and internationally. She is committed to providing evidence-based education that supports improved patient outcomes.