A virtual reality system for strengthening awareness and participation in rehabilitation for post-stroke patients

Abstract

This paper presents a system called REAPP, a virtual environment aiming at supporting upper-limb robotic neurorehabilitation for post-stroke patients. In the last few years different systems using either or both virtual environments and robots have been developed. However, such advanced systems often lack attention on the physical and psychological conditions perceived by the patient, who should be the key focus in therapies. In this context, REAPP aims not to be just an entertaining interface but also a means to investigate patients' feelings toward the therapy and to enhance their self-perception while performing the rehabilitation exercises. Before and after the rehabilitation session the patients are inquired about their emotional state, their physical condition and a self-evaluation of the performance is done. While performing the exercises patients look at a 2D/3D interface which has the aim of enhancing their self-awareness by showing them, through an avatar, the movements they are doing. Widgets and a virtual assistant provide additional feedback about the quality of the movements which is computed through a specifically developed B Stefano Mottura arm model that can be customized on the residual capabilities of each patient.

A Comparative Analysis of 2D and 3D Tasks for Virtual Reality Therapies Based on Robotic-Assisted Neurorehabilitation for Post-stroke Patients

“…In García-Betances et al ( 2015 ) an overview of recent VR technology for Alzheimer's disease applications has performed, and these systems use conventional 2D graphics display or 3D graphics indistinctly. Similarly occurs with the brain damage rehabilitation in Rose et al ( 2005 ), post-stroke studies such as Merians et al ( 2006 ), Saposnik ( 2016 ), Henderson et al ( 2007 ), Mottura et al ( 2015 ). Therefore, there is a wide panorama on virtual rehabilitation in the scientific literature.…”

A Social Virtual Reality-Based Application for the Physical and Cognitive Training of the Elderly at Home

“…Instead, it just serves as a reference to know where the other players are and to adapt the velocity to proceed together. However, some studies showed that having the possibility to customize some features may positively influence embodiment, and thus motivation to practice [73,74]. Therefore, it appears interesting to evaluate if the customization of some avatars’ characteristics, perhaps through a reward mechanism, enhances the participation and the engagement of the elderly.…”

A systematic review of technological advancements in signal sensing, actuation, control and training methods in robotic exoskeletons for rehabilitation

“…Seventeen participants are selected for studying the specified game-based approach in which 10 participants allotted more points to game-based training sessions than conventional therapy sessions. The AR-based rehabilitation game module for treating shoulder-related disabilities is studied by Mottura et al (2015). The paper introduces the first wearable AR game application which uses a Microsoft lens for tracking the movements of patients.…”