Communications of the ACM
Virtual Reality For Motor Rehabilitation of the Shoulder
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have developed a virtual reality system for motor rehabilitation of the shoulder.
Credit: Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain)
Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) researchers have developed a virtual-reality (VR) system for motor rehabilitation of the shoulder. The prototype, which is equipped with a movement sensor, enables the user to do controlled exercises as part of a football (soccer) game.
The system consists of software developed in the motor of a multiplatform videogame combined with Intel RealSense, a movement sensor that was recently launched to developers, and Oculus Rift DK2 VR goggles, through which users can see the program and check which movements they are performing.
"The patients act as goalkeepers in a football match and they have to stop the balls that are kicked, so they have to make exact movements," says UC3M researcher Alejandro Baldominos.
The first version of the prototype was developed for use in rehabilitation centers. "To help maintain the correct position in each save, the patients see the reflection of their hand [with the rest of the arm hidden], which improves the effect of the propioception, which is the sense that tells the body what position the muscles are in," Baldominos notes.
Going forward, the researchers will carry out clinical trials and develop new programs that help rehabilitate other shoulder movements.
From Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain)
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