The Sony PlayStation II EyeToy: Low-Cost Virtual Reality for Use in Rehabilitation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of using a low-cost video-capture virtual reality (VR) platform, the Sony PlayStation II EyeToy, for the rehabilitation of older adults with disabilities. This article presents three studies that were carried out to provide information about the EyeToy's potential for use in rehabilitation. The first study included the testing of healthy young adults (N = 34) and compared their experiences using the EyeToy with those using GestureTek's IREX VR system in terms of a sense of presence, level of enjoyment, control, success, and perceived exertion. The second study aimed to characterize the VR experience of healthy older adults (N = 10) and to determine the suitability and usability of the EyeToy for this population and the third study aimed to determine the feasibility of the EyeToy for use by individuals (N = 12) with stroke at different stages. The implications of these three studies for applying the system to rehabilitation are discussed.

Activity-promoting gaming systems in exercise and rehabilitation

“…For example, the EyeToy has shown the potential to promote exercise [40] and enhance upper-limb-related motor functioning in patients with stroke [41]. However, it appears that the Wii has captured the imagination of those in rehabilitation settings as a means to facilitate rehabilitation.…”

A New Approach to Improve Cognition, Muscle Strength, and Postural Balance in Community-Dwelling Elderly with a 3-D Virtual Reality Kayak Program

“…In virtual reality, people perform diverse tasks and accomplish predetermined goals using technological simulated scenes by reacting as if they are performing the actions in reality (Holm and Priglinger 2008). This method provides an interesting and fun therapy, increasing motivational effects (Rand et al 2008). Virtual reality provides visual, auditory and proprioceptive, and can also stimulate cognition (Schultheis and Rizzo 2001).…”

Reaching, Swinging, and Punching: Kinematic Change after Video Gaming Intervention in an Individual with Chronic Stroke

“…Post stroke, hundreds to thousands of repetitions of specific task practice are required for motor relearning [12]; however, Lang and colleagues [13] found that individuals post stroke are not obtaining nearly enough upper extremity practice in typical therapy sessions, with an average of less than two active assisted or purposeful upper extremity movements per minute of therapy time. Gaming provides much more practice [4], in part because it is less boring and more engaging [14][15][16]. In a summary of systematic reviews of therapeutic exercise, Taylor and colleagues found that therapeutic exercise was more effective if it was relatively intense, targeted, and individualized [17].…”