His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah (UoS) visited the University’s cutting-edge health sciences and nursing labs on Thursday morning. 

During his visit, Sheikh Sultan explored the physical therapy assessment, spine health, and virtual reality nursing skills laboratories at the College of Health Sciences. These labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for advanced physical therapy evaluation, spinal health diagnostics, and nursing skills enhancement, contributing to community healthcare and   postgraduate student training in master’s and doctoral programs. The labs also serve the community by providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. 

Cutting-Edge Technologies in the Spine Health Lab 

Sheikh Sultan received a detailed briefing on the innovative devices available at the spine health lab, which represent significant advancements in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. Among the technologies showcased were:  the 3D spinal traction system which relieves pressure on vertebrae in three dimensions, aiding in the treatment of herniated discs and chronic back pain the balance measurement device which evaluates patients’ functional balance and provides precise data to design tailored treatment plans and the posture assessment device which offers a 4D analysis of spinal alignment, helping to diagnose abnormalities and correct improper postures.

Advances in Physical Therapy 

Sheikh Sultan also toured the physical therapy assessment lab, which represents a breakthrough in evaluating and treating various health conditions. Featured equipment available in the PTA lab included:  a transcranial magnetic stimulation device that stimulates the brain to address neurological and movement disorders a cardio-pulmonary exercise testing equipment which assesses the heart and lungs’ capacity to endure physical exertion, facilitating the development of individualized treatment plans and An isokinetic muscular evaluation device that measures muscle strength and analyzes physical performance, playing a key role in sports injury rehabilitation.

Integrated Neuroscience Unit

The Integrated Neuroscience Unit lab, another highlight of the tour, uses advanced techniques to measure various biological indicators. These measurements are instrumental in developing tailored treatment plans and predictive models for addressing neurological disorders. 

Immersive Learning Through Virtual Reality 

His Highness Sheikh Sultan also visited the virtual reality nursing skills lab at the College of Health Sciences, which features advanced virtual reality (VR) and high-fidelity simulation technologies. These cutting-edge tools represent a transformative step in nursing education, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in real-world healthcare settings.

Through VR technology, nursing students are immersed in realistic 3D simulations, allowing them to experience patient care scenarios that enhance their critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork skills. His Highness was briefed on the lab’s high-precision simulations, which utilize life-like, interactive models. These simulations provide students with a safe and controlled environment to practice complex clinical procedures, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Advancing Healthcare Services and Education 

These innovative educational tools are fundamental in preparing students at the College of Health Sciences to address the challenges of the healthcare sector. They provide a safe and realistic platform for students to refine their skills, ensuring their readiness to deliver exceptional patient care.

The integration of virtual reality and simulation technologies underscores the College of Health Sciences' commitment to achieving excellence in education and healthcare. By adopting these advanced methods, the college demonstrates its prominence in shaping the future of nursing and healthcare education.

In addition, these modern labs are a key component of the University's strategy to offer outstanding healthcare services to the community. They aim to create an engaging and well-equipped learning environment for graduate students, focusing on continuous advancements in health and education. These labs also support scientific research and offer innovative solutions in physiotherapy, contributing to the provision of enhanced healthcare, and the training of medical professionals to keep pace with global developments. This initiative confirms the University of Sharjah's position as a leading center in physiotherapy and health sciences.