The Rutgers Arm, a rehabilitation system in virtual reality: a pilot study

Cyberpsychol Behav. 2006 Apr;9(2):148-51. doi: 10.1089/cpb.2006.9.148.

Abstract

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Its prevalence calls for innovative rehabilitation methods. The Rutgers Arm is a novel upper extremity rehabilitation system consisting of a low-friction table, three-dimensional (3D) tracker, custom forearm support, PC workstation, library of Java 3D virtual reality (VR) exercises, clinical database module, and a tele-rehabilitation extension. The system was tested on a chronic stroke subject, under local and tele-rehabilitation conditions, over 5 weeks of training. Results show improvements in arm motor control and shoulder range of motion, corresponding to improved Fugl-Meyer test scores. Exercise duration, level of difficulty, and patient motivation were maintained under tele-rehabilitaion. A 1-week retention trial showed that gains were maintained.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation*
  • Exercise Therapy / instrumentation
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Skills*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Recovery of Function
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke / therapy
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • Telemedicine / instrumentation
  • Telemedicine / methods
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Upper Extremity / physiopathology*
  • User-Computer Interface*