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Development of a 3D, networked multi-user virtual reality environment for home therapy after stroke
Kristen M Triandafilou1, Daria Tsoupikova2, Alexander J Barry3
1Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Arms + Hands Lab, Chicago, IL, USA. ktriandafi@sralab.org.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
|October 7, 2018
Summary
The Virtual Environment for Rehabilitative Gaming Exercises (VERGE) system shows promise for stroke rehabilitation home therapy, with over 85% finding it effective for repetitive arm movement practice and a high willingness to use it regularly.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Virtual Reality Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Upper extremity functional impairment is a common, detrimental outcome of stroke.
- Limited access to clinical therapy exists for rural stroke survivors due to geographical and transportation barriers.
- Home therapy offers an alternative but faces challenges with compliance due to isolation and monotonous self-directed training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a 3D, networked multi-user Virtual Environment for Rehabilitative Gaming Exercises (VERGE) system for home-based stroke rehabilitation.
- To assess the feasibility and user feedback of the VERGE system for improving upper extremity function in stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involved 15 stroke survivors with chronic upper extremity hemiparesis undergoing a three-week intervention.
- Participants trained using either the VERGE system, an existing virtual reality environment (AWVR), or a home exercise program (HEP).
- The VERGE system utilizes low-cost Kinect™ devices for kinematic measurements to control avatars and provide real-time performance feedback.
Main Results:
- Over 85% of participants found the VERGE system effective for promoting repetitive arm movement practice.
- Average arm displacement in VERGE sessions was 350m, comparable to AWVR and HEP.
- A significant majority expressed willingness to engage in home therapy 2-3 days per week.
Conclusions:
- Multi-user virtual reality environments like VERGE show potential for effective home-based stroke rehabilitation.
- Emphasis on reducing operational complexity for users within VR systems is crucial for widespread adoption.
- A modified VERGE system is currently being investigated in an ongoing home therapy study.
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