A Novel Head Mounted Display Based Methodology for Balance Evaluation and Rehabilitation

Eun-Young Lee,Van Thanh Tran,Dongho Kim

doi:10.3390/su11226453

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new augmented reality (AR) head mounted display (HMD)-based balance rehabilitation method. This method assesses the individual’s postural stability quantitatively by measuring head movement via the inertial measurement unit sensor integrated in the AR HMD. In addition, it provides visual feedback to train through holographic objects, which interacts with the head position in real-time. We implemented applications for Microsoft HoloLens and conducted experiments with eight participants to verify the method we proposed. Participants performed each of three postural tasks three times depending on the presence or absence of augmented reality, the center of pressure (COP) displacement was measured through the Wii Balance Board, and the head displacement was measured through the HoloLens. There are significant correlations (p < 0.05) between COP and head displacement and significant differences (p < 0.05) between with/without AR feedback, although most of them were not statistically significant likely due to the small sample. Despite the results, we confirmed the applicability and potential of the AR HMD-based balance rehabilitation method we proposed. We expect the proposed method could be used as a convenient and effective rehabilitation tool for both patients and therapists in the future.

Highlights

Falls and fall-related injuries are more fatal to people aged over 65 [1]
The total path length of head movement in single leg stance without augmented visual feedback was positively associated with the center of pressure (COP) (r = 0.481, p < 0.05)
This paper described a method for balance rehabilitation using an augmented reality (AR) head mounted display (HMD) and implemented the method to verify the method

Summary

Introduction

Falls and fall-related injuries are more fatal to people aged over 65 [1]. Fall-related injuries include long-term effects, high incidence, and significant costs [2], and the costs of non-fatal and fatal falls combined are estimated at approximately $50 billion in the US [3]. The central nervous system integrates information from various organs and formulates appropriate responses The signals from these systems go to the brain and serve reflexes to provide postural stability [13]. Afterward, it will direct and coordinate the musculoskeletal system to perform the appropriate movements to maintain balance [14]. Balance dysfunction includes a reduction of movement precision and environmental perception owing to impairment in vision, somatosensory, and vestibular information. These defects affect balance and cause falls. Balance dysfunctions are general reasons for falls in the elderly [15]

Methods

Results

Conclusion