‘Michelangelo Effect’: VR Art Therapy and Its Museum Applications

Italian research led by Prof. Marco Iosa has identified the 'Michelangelo Effect', a phenomenon where virtual reality painting improves motor rehabilitation in stroke patients. Using a VR headset and joystick, patients recreate masterpieces such as Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam', Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus', and works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. The study found that the aesthetic stimulation enhances motor neuron response, coordination, precision, and reduces perceived fatigue compared to traditional therapy. The effect is named after Michelangelo because the first observations involved his work. The 'Cultura e Salute' network, part of the Associazione Club Medici, will host the first 'Effetto Michelangelo' conference in Rome in January 2024 at the Corsie Sistine. The two-day event will feature workshops, performances, and talks exploring the synergy between art and health, with 110 associations, foundations, museums, and healthcare institutions participating. The VR painting method also holds potential for museum visits, allowing users to co-create artworks. The conference aims to disseminate experimental practices and integrate art into daily healthcare.