Improving Walking Performance in Prosthetic Leg Users: The Role of Virtual Reality and Audio Feedback

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the rehabilitation process and improving the life quality for lower limb prosthetic user. The integration of audio within VR environments can significantly impact the performance of lower limb prosthetic user, improve their gait patterns, enhance balance control, and avoid user from falling. This research paper investigates the effectiveness of VR and audio stimuli in improving gait in amputees wearing prosthetic legs. A VR-based training system is developed, utilizing a head-mounted display (HMD) and audio cues synchronized with footsteps or slowed down. Thirteen transfemoral prosthetic leg users participate in the study, assessing the impact on gait parameters. Participants were asked to walk in 3 conditions: without audio (WA), with audio (A), and slow tempo audio (SA). Results demonstrate significant enhancements in step length, stride length, and step time, achieving balance between the prosthetic and normal limbs. The integration of audio stimuli proves advantageous in enhancing walking performance and addressing asymmetries. The findings suggest that VR with slow-tempo audio cues holds promise for improving rehabilitation outcomes for prosthetic leg users. Future research should focus on optimizing training methods and exploring full potential of audio-integrated VR for gait rehabilitation in amputees.