The Rutgers Arm, a rehabilitation system in virtual reality: a pilot study.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Its prevalence calls for innovative rehabilitation methods. The Rutgers Arm is a novel upper extremity rehabilitation system consisting of a low-friction table, three-dimensional (3D) tracker, custom forearm support, PC workstation, library of Java 3D virtual reality (VR) exercises, clinical database module, and a tele-rehabilitation extension. The system was tested on a chronic stroke subject, under local and tele-rehabilitation conditions, over 5 weeks of training. Results show improvements in arm motor control and shoulder range of motion, corresponding to improved Fugl-Meyer test scores. Exercise duration, level of difficulty, and patient motivation were maintained under tele-rehabilitaion. A 1-week retention trial showed that gains were maintained.
Kuttuva
Manjuladevi
M
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
Boian
Rares
R
Merians
Alma
A
Burdea
Grigore
G
Bouzit
Mourad
M
Lewis
Jeffrey
J
Fensterheim
Devin
D
D003198:Computer Simulation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface