The Potential of Virtual Reality and Gaming to Assist Successful Aging with Disability - 05/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.pmr.2009.12.007

B.S. Lange, PhD, BPhysio ^a, P. Requejo, PhD ^b,^⁎ , S.M. Flynn, PhD, PT ^a, A.A. Rizzo, PhD ^a, F.J. Valero-Cuevas, PhD ^c, L. Baker, PhD, PT ^d, C. Winstein, PhD, PT, FAPTA ^d
^a VRPSYCH Laboratory, Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, 13274 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, USA
^b Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Building 500, Room 64, 7601 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA
^c Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the School of Dentistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, RTH 402, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
^d Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, CHP 155, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006, USA

Corresponding author.

Résumé

Using the advances in computing power, software and hardware technologies, virtual reality (VR), and gaming applications have the potential to address clinical challenges for a range of disabilities. VR-based games can potentially provide the ability to assess and augment cognitive and motor rehabilitation under a range of stimulus conditions that are not easily controllable and quantifiable in the real world. This article discusses an approach for maximizing function and participation for those aging with and into a disability by combining task-specific training with advances in VR and gaming technologies to enable positive behavioral modifications for independence in the home and community. There is potential for the use of VR and game applications for rehabilitating, maintaining, and enhancing those processes that are affected by aging with and into disability, particularly the need to attain a balance in the interplay between sensorimotor function and cognitive demands and to reap the benefits of task-specific training and regular physical activity and exercise.

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Keywords : Aging, Disability, Rehabilitation, Technology, Virtual reality, Games

Plan

Virtual reality and gaming technology for sensorimotor and cognitive rehabilitation

VR rehabilitation for balance impairments

VR rehabilitation for a home exercise program for the shoulder

VR rehabilitation for dexterous manipulation with the fingertips

VR rehabilitation and stimulated active seating for pressure ulcer prevention

Summary

This material is based upon work supported by NSF Grants EFRI-COPN 0836042, BES-0237258 and IGERT-0333366, and NIH Grant R21-HD048566 to FVC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NSF or NIH.