Development and application of virtual reality technology to improve hand use and gait of individuals post-stroke

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-18-2004

Abstract

Development and application of virtual reality (VR) systems for rehabilitation is an iterative process produced by collaboration of an inter-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists and clinician-scientists. In this paper the use of virtual reality technology for the rehabilitation of individuals post-stroke is described. The development of the hardware is based on principles of motor control. Development of the software uses findings from the enrichment and motor plasticity and training literatures as well as principles of motor learning. Virtual environments are created to afford individuals post-stroke opportunities to practice tasks for which they require rehabilitation. These tasks, related to hand function and gait, are trained both at the impairment and functional level. The training engages users to allow for the repetitive intensive practice required for behavioral motor plasticity. Results from a series of upper and lower extremity studies indicate that use of VR technology to augment rehabilitation of individuals post-stroke merits further study.

Identifier

7944238328 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience

ISSN

09226028

PubMed ID

15502277

First Page

371

Last Page

386

Issue

3-4

Volume

22

Grant

R03HD042161

Fund Ref

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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