Modular mechatronic system for stationary bicycles interfaced with virtual environment for rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Cycling is a valuable tool for rehabilitation in chronic and post-surgical conditions.
• A key challenge in cycling rehabilitation is ensuring equal extremity recruitment and high-intensity exercise.
• Virtual reality (VR) augmented cycling offers a potential solution by providing engaging feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the Virtual Reality Augmented Cycling Kit (VRACK), a mechatronic system for rehabilitation cycling.
• To demonstrate VRACK's capability to enhance cycling efficacy through immersive feedback.
• To validate the system's ability to monitor physiological and biomechanical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Developed a modular mechatronic kit (VRACK) with sensors for stationary bicycles.
• Integrated novel hardware: sensorized handlebars, IMU-equipped pedals with force sensing and vibratory feedback, and heart rate monitors.
• Utilized customized software for data acquisition within an augmented reality simulation.

Main Results:

• Bench testing validated the accuracy of sensorized handlebars and instrumented pedals.
• Human rider tests successfully monitored kinetic and kinematic parameters of lower extremities using the VRACK system.
• The system demonstrated reliable measurement of rider biomechanics.

Conclusions:

• The VRACK system effectively converts standard bicycles into virtual reality rehabilitation cycles.
• Preliminary testing confirmed the system's success in monitoring and recording rider kinetic and kinematic data.
• VRACK shows promise for improving the efficacy and engagement of cycling-based rehabilitation.