09 June 2004

University develops 'virtual reality' technique for stroke victims

Researchers from the University of Ulster and the Royal Hospitals have developed revolutionary techniques to help people with stroke regain use of their upper limbs, with the help of virtual reality.

The School of Rehabilitation Sciences, in conjunction with the School of Computing and Information Engineering and staff from the Stroke Unit at the Royal Hospitals, has launched a pilot study employing a low cost, virtual reality system, which allows people with stroke to be immersed in a virtual world.

Patients can practice upper limb movements in a virtual world, which can provide a more stimulating environment to relieve the boredom of repetitive tasks. The study is unique in the UK and Ireland.

The University of Ulster's Jacqueline Crosbie, who is leading the new research study, said: “Stroke is the most common cause of disability in adults and can lead to permanent changes in a person’s life style.

“This virtual reality system focuses specifically on helping stroke patients regain more use of arm and hand movement, hopefully making everyday tasks such as eating, drinking and driving possible.”

The new technology will involve the patient wearing a head-mounted display which provides a sense of immersion into a virtual world.

The world could be a representation of an environment with which the patient is familiar, such as a kitchen, living room or supermarket, enabling the practice of movements needed to carry out daily chores such as making a cup of tea.

The patient will also be wearing a flexible glove connected to position and orientation sensors and a number of additional sensors will be attached to the patient’s shoulder. These will enable the patient’s hand and arm movements to be tracked in the virtual environment-providing visual feedback to the patient. Audio feedback in the form of a ‘virtual physiotherapist’ is also possible, offering encouragement and motivation during the tasks.

The research project is being funded by the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association.

(MB)