Augmented Reality: Visual manipulations for motor rehabilitation

  • Authors:

  • Holger Regenbrecht;Simon Hoermann;Graham Mcgregor;Brian Dixon;Elizabeth Franz;Claudia Ott;Leigh Hale;Thomas Schubert;Julia Hoermann

  • Affiliations:

  • University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal;Technische Universität München, Germany

  • Venue:
  • Computers and Graphics
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

Mixed reality rehabilitation systems and games are demonstrating potential as innovative adjunctive therapies for health professionals in their treatment of various hand and upper limb motor impairments. Unilateral motor deficits of the arm, for example, are commonly experienced poststroke. Our Augmented Reflection Technology (ART) system provides an augmented reality environment that contributes to this increasingly rich area of research. We present the current set of technological capabilities of the ART system exemplified in two experimental laboratory studies as well as a prototype system built on top of ART which ''fools the brain'' by visually amplifying user's hand movements-small actual hand movements lead to perceived larger movements. We validate the usability of our system in an empirical study with forty-five non-clinical participants. In addition, we present the first qualitative evidence for the utility of our approach and system for stroke recovery and motor rehabilitation. Future uses of the system are considered by way of conclusion.