A virtual reality system for robotic-assisted orthopedic rehabilitation of forearm and elbow fractures

Abstract

The combination of robotics and virtual reality seems promising for the rehabilitation of the upper limb by promoting intensive training on specific deficits with motor control and multimodal feedback in engaging game-like scenarios. In this paper we present the integration of a robotic system and virtual reality applications for the orthopedic rehabilitation of the arm, in terms of strengthening training and motion recovery. The system simulates the upper limb of the patient and their actions, and allows exhaustive exercising and motor control, giving visuomotor and haptic feedback and trajectory positioning guidance. The system allows assign specific tasks to perform within the virtual environments and aids to evaluate the mobility condition of the patient, to personalize the difficulty level of the therapy and provides kineseologic measures of the patient evolution. We present the results of a preliminary clinical assessment we are carried out on three patients in order to assess the usability and acceptance of the system.