Exoskeletons With Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Gamification for Stroke Patients' Rehabilitation:...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Robot-assisted therapy is crucial for post-stroke motor rehabilitation.
• Patient motivation is a key factor in stroke survivor recovery.
• Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and gamification enhance engagement in robotic therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review technologies in post-stroke rehabilitation.
• To assess the effectiveness of exoskeleton robotics combined with VR, AR, or gamification.
• To evaluate improvements in activity and participation for stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search (2010-2017) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane Library.
• Included exoskeleton studies with VR, AR, or gamification; excluded those without these technologies.
• Recorded patient condition improvements to determine therapy effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Thirty studies (including RCTs) with 385 participants were identified.
• VR, AR, and gamification-based exoskeletons facilitate the transition to home-based rehabilitation.
• Patients using these novel interfacing techniques with exoskeletons showed general improvements in motor function.

Conclusions:

• Exoskeleton robotics combined with VR, AR, or gamification show potential for home-based rehabilitation.
• These technologies can improve motor function and support the transition from clinical settings.
• Further research is needed on customizable games to maintain patient motivation.