A Virtual Reality-Cycling Training System for Lower Limb Balance Improvement

Abstract

Stroke survivors might lose their walking and balancing abilities, but many studies pointed out that cycling is an effective means for lower limb rehabilitation. However, during cycle training, the unaffected limb tends to compensate for the affected one, which resulted in suboptimal rehabilitation. To address this issue, we present a Virtual Reality-Cycling Training System (VRCTS), which senses the cycling force and speed in real-time, analyzes the acquired data to produce feedback to patients with a controllable VR car in a VR rehabilitation program, and thus specifically trains the affected side. The aim of the study was to verify the functionality of the VRCTS and to verify the results from the ten stroke patients participants and to compare the result of Asymmetry Ratio Index (ARI) between the experimental group and the control group, after their training, by using the bilateral pedal force and force plate to determine any training effect. The results showed that after the VRCTS training in bilateral pedal force it had improved by 0.22 (p = 0.046) and in force plate the stand balance has also improved by 0.29 (p = 0.031); thus both methods show the significant difference.

Characteristics, Usability, and Users Experience of a System Combining Cognitive and Physical Therapy in a Virtual Environment: Positive Bike

“…VR represents a promising technology that, in the near future, can be easily become part of different rehabilitation treatments, as demonstrated by the great number of studies reported in literature [ 36 , 43 , 58 , 59 ]. However, before its introduction in the clinical practice, it is necessary to consider both the pathology-related complications that potential users may have and the usability aspect of the designed system.…”

“…Several studies already adopted a VR cycling training for the motor rehabilitation of old adults or stroke patients [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ], but no one ever implemented it into a DT protocol, thus requiring the execution of some interactive cognitive tasks during the physical performance of the virtual ride. To our knowledge, studies exploiting VR-based dual task training focused on exercises requiring locomotion and involved either the use of a treadmill [ 48 , 49 ] or implemented stepping-in-place on a balance board [ 19 ].…”

Mechanical Power to Identify Human Performance for a Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot

“…For a post-stroke patient that suffers from severe lower limb muscle weakness and cannot participate in a gait training session in a safe manner, the movement training in the sitting position is preferred. It is found that the outcomes of the training in sitting position can reduce motor impairments and translate to into improved walking ability [10,11,18]. The lower limb rehabilitation robot in our research is developed to provide physical therapy to the patient with this stage.…”

“…Furthermore, various training modalities and activities can be selected to suit with the condition of the patient [3,7]. The robots can also be implemented with games and virtual reality systems to motivate the patient to actively participate in the training session [8][9][10]. Table 1 shows clinical results from trainings with games and virtual reality systems implemented by lower limb rehabilitation robots, namely, Rutgers Ankle [11], Anklebot [12], VRCTS [10].…”

“…The robots can also be implemented with games and virtual reality systems to motivate the patient to actively participate in the training session [8][9][10]. Table 1 shows clinical results from trainings with games and virtual reality systems implemented by lower limb rehabilitation robots, namely, Rutgers Ankle [11], Anklebot [12], VRCTS [10]. Therefore, robots for stroke rehabilitation are promising tools to provide optimal recovery outcomes and enhance the productivity of physiotherapists [13].…”