Wearable Augmented Reality Application for Shoulder Rehabilitation

Augmented reality (AR) technology is gaining popularity and scholarly interest in the rehabilitation sector because of the possibility to generate controlled, user-specific environmental and perceptual stimuli which motivate the patient, while still preserving the possibility to interact with the real environment and other subjects, including the rehabilitation specialist. The paper presents the first wearable AR application for shoulder rehabilitation, based on Microsoft HoloLens, with real-time markerless tracking of the user’s hand. Potentialities and current limits of commercial head-mounted displays (HMDs) are described for the target medical field, and details of the proposed application are reported. A serious game was designed starting from the analysis of a traditional rehabilitation exercise, taking into account HoloLens specifications to maximize user comfort during the AR rehabilitation session. The AR application implemented consistently meets the recommended target frame rate for immersive applications with HoloLens device: 60 fps. Moreover, the ergonomics and the motivational value of the proposed application were positively evaluated by a group of five rehabilitation specialists and 20 healthy subjects. Even if a larger study, including real patients, is necessary for a clinical validation of the proposed application, the results obtained encourage further investigations and the integration of additional technical features for the proposed AR application

A modifiable virtual reality game for neurological physiotherapy - Multiprofessional development and pilot testing

Serious games and virtual reality are promising tools for future rehabilitation. They represent solutions for promoting self-care and for motivating the rehabilitees. However, their wider adoption requires experience and research information from both the rehabilitators themselves and experts in the field. The aim of this study is to develop a prototype physiotherapy virtual reality game in multiprofessional collaboration and to learn about the best practises leading into positive user experience. This paper emphasizes the game development process, the Whac-A-Physio game prototype itself and the preliminary user experiences utilizing a co-design approach. It is a basis for future studies with higher number of participants. The physiotherapy professionals were interested in developing the game in a multidisciplinary group and motivated to adopt it. The developed Whac-A-Physio game prototype was subsequently piloted in two physiotherapy clinics. The feedback was obtained from the physiotherapists by semi-structured interviewing. The physiotherapists found the game suitable for upper limb therapy, balance, and coordination training. The game presented a valuable motivational tool for their clients, improving their sense of ability and inclusion, and was thus considered a good addition to the conventional therapy.acceptedVersionPeer reviewe

A Gamified Approach for Hand Rehabilitation Device

This work details developments made in a system for hand rehabilitation, that aims to improve recovery of fine motor control, mostly for those recovering from stroke. The system consists of an instrumented device that is used to interact with a variety of games designed to improve fine motor control, enhancing rehabilitation practices. These games were tested with actual disabled individuals and therapists, having received overall positive feedback.</p