Changes in EMG latencies during balance therapy using enhanced virtual reality with haptic floor

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Virtual Reality
• Neurorehabilitation

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive environments for balance training.
• Biofeedback integration can enhance user interaction and training effectiveness.
• Haptic feedback provides tactile sensory information, potentially improving motor control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of haptic feedback on postural response strategies during virtual reality balance training.
• To compare muscle activity patterns with and without haptic floor feedback during postural perturbations.
• To assess the potential of haptic VR systems for telerehabilitation and postural assessment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dynamic standing frame with an integrated haptic floor for biofeedback during virtual reality collisions.
• Monitored electromyographic (EMG) activity of key lower limb and trunk muscles (soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, semimembranosus, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, erector spinae) using surface electrodes.
• Recorded muscle activity during the onset and recovery phases of postural perturbations in 12 neurologically intact young adults.

Main Results:

• Haptic floor feedback resulted in more dynamic postural responses across all participants compared to training without feedback.
• The ankle complex demonstrated enhanced stabilization of the tibia at the onset of perturbation when haptic feedback was applied.
• Differences in postural response strategies were observed with the use of the haptic floor.

Conclusions:

• Haptic feedback in VR balance training can significantly enhance the telerehabilitation experience and improve training effectiveness.
• The developed system shows promise for postural response assessment, potentially leading to simplified telediagnostics.
• Further research is warranted to validate the findings and support the proposed proof of concept for haptic VR balance training.