Limb loading enhances skill transfer between augmented and physical reality tasks during limb loss rehabilitation

Abstract

Background Virtual and augmented reality (AR) have become popular modalities for training myoelectric prosthesis control with upper-limb amputees. While some systems have shown moderate success, it is unclear how well the complex motor skills learned in an AR simulation transfer to completing the same tasks in physical reality. Limb loading is a possible dimension of motor skill execution that is absent in current AR solutions that may help to increase skill transfer between the virtual and physical domains. Methods We implemented an immersive AR environment where individuals could operate a myoelectric virtual prosthesis to accomplish a variety of object relocation manipulations. Intact limb participants were separated into three groups, the load control (CGLD; $$N=4$$ N = 4 ), the AR control (CGAR; $$N=4$$ N = 4 ), and the experimental group (EG; $$N=4$$ N = 4 ). Both the CGAR and EG completed a 5-session prosthesis training protocol in AR while the CGLD performed simple muscle training. The EG attempted manipulations in AR while undergoing limb loading. The CGAR attempted the same manipulations without loading. All participants performed the same manipulations in physical reality while operating a real prosthesis pre- and post-training. The main outcome measure was the change in the number of manipulations completed during the physical reality assessments (i.e. completion rate). Secondary outcomes included movement kinematics and visuomotor behavior. Results The EG experienced a greater increase in completion rate post-training than both the CGAR and CGLD. This performance increase was accompanied by a shorter motor learning phase, the EG’s performance saturating in less sessions of AR training than the CGAR. Conclusion The results demonstrated that limb loading plays an important role in transferring complex motor skills learned in virtual spaces to their physical reality analogs. While participants who did not receive limb loading were able to receive some functional benefit from AR training, participants who received the loading experienced a greater positive change in motor performance with their performance saturating in fewer training sessions.

A Review on the Usability, Flexibility, Affinity, and Affordability of Virtual Technology for Rehabilitation Training of Upper Limb Amputees

“…Hunt and colleagues [54] conducted a study involving upper limb amputees to assess the impact of virtual technologies on their functionality. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) training on each participant's ability to use a physical prosthesis, as well as the potential for skill transference between virtual and physical reality tasks.…”

Virtual and augmented reality in biomedical engineering

“…To analyze recent academic and commercial advancements to expand immersive XR in the field of patient recovery and wellness, the authors also conduct a comprehensive study of the academic articles that are now available, international patent grants, and growing technical standards. During limb loss rehabilitation, limb loading improves skill transfer between augmented and physical reality tasks [ 64 ].…”