Extending Mirror Therapy into Mixed Reality—Design and Implementation of the Application PhantomAR to Alleviate Phantom Limb Pain in Upper Limb Amputees

Prahm, Cosima; Eckstein, Korbinian; Bressler, Michael; Kuzuoka, Hideaki; Kolbenschlag, Jonas

doi:10.1007/978-981-19-7742-8_16

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…This comprehensive data collection enabled us to accurately determine the absolute orientation of the participants' forearm and upper arm. Previous horizontal drift over time could be addressed using these MMRL IMU sensors [50] instead of the Thalmic MyoArmband for spatial data. The position of the shoulder was xed in relation to the head position and was adapted to match the individual user.…”

Section: Interaction With the Virtual Environment: Arm And Hand Movem...mentioning

confidence: 99%

PhantomAR: Gamified Mixed Reality System for Alleviating Phantom Limb Pain in Upper Limb Amputees – Design, Implementation, and Clinical Usability Evaluation

Prahm,

Eckstein,

Bressler

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a restrictive condition in which patients perceive pain in a limb that is no longer present, greatly reducing their quality of life. Mirror Therapy, wherein patients observe a mirror reflection of their intact limb, has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating PLP. However, its unilateral and seated nature presents limitations. To address these constraints while still reducing PLP, and evaluating the impact of different virtual limb representations (anthropomorphic vs. non-anthropomorphic) on the user's sense of ownership, agency, and embodiment, PhantomAR was developed. Leveraging wearable first-person augmented reality (AR) technology, PhantomAR extends traditional Mirror Therapy by enabling users to move freely and engage in bimanual tasks. Methods: The assistive mixed reality game application PhantomAR was deployed on the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and augmented the user’s residual limb by superimposing a virtual arm or tentacle that was controlled via residual muscles on their stump using an EMG electrode array. This setup allowed patients to engage in a first-person perspective and manipulate virtual objects with both the healthy and augmented limbs, free from the confines of a seated position. The study enrolled 10 able-bodied individuals and 8 individuals with unilateral, transradial amputation. All amputees experienced PLP. The usability of the PhantomAR application was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a user-centric survey. Additionally, the Game Experience was assessed on a 5-point Likert questionnaire (GEQ). Participants rated their phantom sensations using the Numerical Rating Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire before, during, and after interaction with PhantomAR. The embodiment and agency of the virtual superimposed arm were evaluated with an altered Prosthesis Embodiment Scale. The study protocol included two sessions of 30 minutes each, during which participants experienced PhantomAR. Results: Participants (n=18) rated PhantomAR highly usable (SUS m=90.8%, SD=6.88). Feedback on the Game Experience Questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive, showing high immersion (m=4.46, SD=0.08) and positive affect (m=4.97, SD=0.05). PLP (n=8) significantly decreased post-intervention (NRS and McGill Pain Questionnaire, p<.001). Skin temperature in the residual limb increased significantly post-intervention (p<.01) but did not correlate with PLP (r=-0.08, p=0.83). Tentacle overlay yielded mixed ownership but high agency ratings. Conclusion: PhantomAR leverages extended reality to significantly reduce Phantom Limb Pain, enhance user engagement, and alter perceptions of ownership and agency of their augmented limb through dynamic, full-body interactions.

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Section: Interaction With the Virtual Environment: Arm And Hand Movem...mentioning

confidence: 99%