Virtual reality environments for post-stroke arm rehabilitation

Sandeep Subramanian,Anatol G Feldman,Mindy F Levin,Christian Beaudoin,Luiz A Knaut,Bradford J Mcfadyen

doi:10.1186/1743-0003-4-20

Abstract

IntroductionOptimal practice and feedback elements are essential requirements for maximal motor recovery in patients with motor deficits due to central nervous system lesions.MethodsA virtual environment (VE) was created that incorporates practice and feedback elements necessary for maximal motor recovery. It permits varied and challenging practice in a motivating environment that provides salient feedback.ResultsThe VE gives the user knowledge of results feedback about motor behavior and knowledge of performance feedback about the quality of pointing movements made in a virtual elevator. Movement distances are related to length of body segments.ConclusionWe describe an immersive and interactive experimental protocol developed in a virtual reality environment using the CAREN system. The VE can be used as a training environment for the upper limb in patients with motor impairments.

Highlights

Optimal practice and feedback elements are essential requirements for maximal motor recovery in patients with motor deficits due to central nervous system lesions
Levin and colleagues have shown that recovery of premorbid movement patterns after repetitive reaching training is facilitated when either compensatory trunk movements were restricted [11] or information about missing motor elements was provided [6,12]
This paper describes a virtual environment (VE) that incorporates practice and feedback elements necessary for maximal motor recovery

Summary

Methodology

Sandeep Subramanian, Luiz A Knaut, Christian Beaudoin, Bradford J McFadyen, Anatol G Feldman and Mindy F Levin*1,3. Address: 1School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, H3G 1Y5, Canada , 2School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada , 3CRIR Research Center, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, 3205 Alton Goldbloom Place, Laval, H7V 1R2, Canada , 4Department of Rehabilitation, Laval University, Ste Foy, G1K 7P4, Canada and 5Department of Physiology, University of Montreal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville Montreal, H3C 3J7, Canada. Published: 22 June 2007 Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2007, 4:20 doi:10.1186/1743-0003-4-20

Background

Methods

Preliminary Results

Conclusion

Olsen TS

10. Levin MF