Adaptive Virtual Reality Games for Rehabilitation of Motor Disorders

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a Virtual Reality (VR) based therapeutic training system aimed at encourage stroke patients with upper limb motor disorders to practice physical exercises. The system contains a series of physically-based VR games. Physically-based simulation provides realistic motion of virtual objects by modelling the behaviour of virtual objects and their responses to external force and torque based on physics laws. We present opportunities for applying physics simulation techniques in VR therapy and discuss their potential therapeutic benefits to motor rehabilitation. A framework for physically-based VR rehabilitation systems is described which consists of functional tasks and game scenarios designed to encourage patients' physical activity in highly motivating, physics-enriched virtual environments where factors such as gravity can be scaled to adapt to individual patient's abilities and in-game performance.

Serious games for movement therapy after stroke

“…Many studies [1], [2] have identified the benefits of using serious games in movement therapy to improve balance, postural control and fine motor movement. One new mode of movement therapy may be to design and develop an innovative collection of computer games which provide an engaging, self-reinforcing context in which to practice physical activities of the upper limb in people with stroke and to achieve therapeutic goals [3]. This paper details the development and testing of a seriousgame based movement therapy aimed at encouraging stroke patients with upper limb motor disorders to practice physical exercises and therefore enhance endurance, dexterity, speed and range of motion.…”

An overview of self-adaptive technologies within virtual reality training

“…Factors such as gravity can be scaled to adapt to individual patient's abilities and in-game performance" (Ma et al, 2007).…”

“…(Yamashita, 2014). ( Pirovano et al, 2012), (Ijsselsteijn et al, 2007), (Ma. 2007), (Kizony,2003) (EU iStoppFalls) (Myers et al, 2000).…”

CAHR: A Contextually Adaptive Home-Based Rehabilitation Framework

“…Ma [18] developed an adaptive VR game for post-stroke patients with upper extremity deficiencies that aim to encourage movement and improve their accuracy and speed. The game can be controlled through motion data captured by three sensors, Motion-Star Wireless, VR 1289 HMD, and the 5DT data glove that enable the detection of the position and orientation of the patient's hand.…”