Post-Stroke Mobility Rehabilitation Using at-Home VR-Based Dual Haptic Platforms

Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Brunswick NJ

Investigators

Abstract

0201687 Burdea Under this Investigator Initiated Award, studies will be performed that develop and test a computerized system for at-home mobility rehabilitation. The PI has developed the "Rutgers Ankle System" that provides a 3D, 6 degrees of freedom interface. The system provides the position and pressure/force information from the human foot. The present system is for a single limb. Developing a duel platform for the measurement of both limbs is the first aim of this proposal. The patient/subject is asked to control/pilot a plane through 3D hoops in the Virtual Reality (VR) world using the ankle-foot complex. A VR exercise library will be developed including exercises incorporating stair climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, etc. After the system is validated in the clinical setting, the PI will implement a VR based tele-rehabilitation system using the INTERNET and network technology so as to provide in home VR rehabilitation exercises with remote monitoring of the patient's progress. Though initially developed for stroke survivors, other patient populations, such as orthopedic, arthritic and cognitively impaired patients, may benefit as well.