title: Neuro-physical rehabilitation by means of novel touch technologies.
abstract: In this work, we present the results of collaboration between an engineering department and a rehabilitation hospital in using innovative touch interfaces properly designed for both neurocognitive and physical rehabilitation. The novel touch interface also measures force, thereby enabling dexterity training through 'direct' manipulation of virtual objects in 3D. Two dimensions are recorded via touch screen, the third by the force channel. We believe that this tool could increase the degree of effectiveness of traditional rehabilitation treatments thanks to its capability to merge physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Furthermore, the exergames implemented allow an easy personalization of the exercise structure and difficulty level. The effectiveness of the FP technology compared with more traditional methods of rehabilitation is measured according to specific parameters observed in an experimental group in comparison with a control group.
authors.affiliation: University of Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Confalonieri
authors.forename: Piergiorgio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tomasi
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Depaul
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guandalini
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baldessari
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oss
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Prada
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mazzalai
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Da Lio
authors.forename: Mariolino
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Cecco
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014110:Touch; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface