Game-based virtual reality solution for post-stroke balance rehabilitation

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a remarkable decline in stroke-related mortality. However, it remains one of the leading causes of death and the most prominent cause of lifelong disability in adults. This positive development results from increased accessibility to various stroke treatment options. In addition, the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation offers a possible alternative to traditional methods of medical rehabilitation of the upper limbs, improving muscle strength or balance. An early diagnosis of equilibrium deficits brings an incredible contribution to recovery. Analysis tests using stabilometric platforms have begun to be used more recently due to the advantages offered. This assessment method highlights and analyzes balance disorders and determines the body's center of gravity position through several sensors or arrays of sensors that transmit information to the processing software. This work aimed to develop a low-cost, stabilometric platform that could be used to build a recovery system using virtual reality-based games. The developed platform uses an Arduino UNO microcontroller that takes data from 4 force sensors. Two applications have been created. The first one was for balance maintenance and the second for execute balance exercises in the anteroposterior and mediolateral direction.

Impact of Exercise Guidance Timing on Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

“…Twenty-four (24) participants were recruited for the program at a mean age of 75 (±7) years and with 75% of them being women (Table 1). Five participants (21%) withdrew from the study (two participants from the group with advance guidance and three participants from the group with parallel guidance).…”

“…The 'guidance' element during an exercise is very closely related to the informational role of feedback, which guides participants towards the correct performance of a movement pattern and enhances the learning process of the movement [23]. Indeed, this benefit of real time feedback is what the rehabilitation experts have been taken advantage of in order to build 2D, 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality games for the rehabilitation of neurological patients [24] and for improving core stability and balance in elderly people [25]. The rich stimuli environment, with the continuous audiovisual feedback, that virtual reality training can provide enhances the learning process of new exercise strategies and it has been extensively used for improving balance and gait in older adults [26][27][28].…”

Biofeedback Respiratory Rehabilitation Training System Based on Virtual Reality Technology

“…In the rehabilitation training of children with autism [19], virtual reality technology has good effects in training language skills, life skills, and emotional expression. In the rehabilitation treatment of stroke patients [20], the designed virtual scene is used for rehabilitation treatment, so that the patient's neuromotor system begins to recover its functions.…”