1 research outputs found
Flexible Virtual Reality System for Neurorehabilitation and Quality of Life Improvement
As life expectancy is mostly increasing, the incidence of many neurological
disorders is also constantly growing. For improving the physical functions
affected by a neurological disorder, rehabilitation procedures are mandatory,
and they must be performed regularly. Unfortunately, neurorehabilitation
procedures have disadvantages in terms of costs, accessibility and a lack of
therapists. This paper presents Immersive Neurorehabilitation Exercises Using
Virtual Reality (INREX-VR), our innovative immersive neurorehabilitation system
using virtual reality. The system is based on a thorough research methodology
and is able to capture real-time user movements and evaluate joint mobility for
both upper and lower limbs, record training sessions and save electromyography
data. The use of the first-person perspective increases immersion, and the
joint range of motion is calculated with the help of both the HTC Vive system
and inverse kinematics principles applied on skeleton rigs. Tutorial exercises
are demonstrated by a virtual therapist, as they were recorded with real-life
physicians, and sessions can be monitored and configured through tele-medicine.
Complex movements are practiced in gamified settings, encouraging
self-improvement and competition. Finally, we proposed a training plan and
preliminary tests which show promising results in terms of accuracy and user
feedback. As future developments, we plan to improve the system's accuracy and
investigate a wireless alternative based on neural networks.Comment: 47 pages, 20 figures, 17 tables (including annexes), part of the MDPI
Sesnsors "Special Issue Smart Sensors and Measurements Methods for Quality of
Life and Ambient Assisted Living