The University of Central Florida will immerse stroke survivors in a virtual world full of flying insects to help expand their range of movement.
Researchers in UCF's Media Convergence Lab (MCL) are teaming up with the California-based Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) to create the program and software that can track patients' progress.
VRMC obtained a contract last year from the National Science Foundation to develop the virtual program, and the company teamed up with the UCF researchers for preliminary work. The research team since has landed a $199,000 contract to create a fully functional virtual game.
Although the game could change slightly, the design will require patients to put on goggles while sitting at a table. A few bugs would fly around nearby. The patients' mission is to smash all of the virtual insects. Each time they succeed, they would earn a point. As patients improve their range of motion, more bugs would appear at greater distances, forcing patients to work harder and increase their range of motion. Think of a 21st-century version of the childhood game "Whack-a-Mole."
"It has to be fun so patients will actually do their physical therapy exercises," said Eileen Smith, associate director of UCF's Media Convergence Lab at the Institute of Simulation and Training.
"One of the sad things about stroke is that it is very isolating," she said. "If we can make the game fun for everyone, maybe grandchildren will jump in while grandma is doing her exercises. Then it won't just be a physical therapy session; it will be family time. It will help patients re-engage."
Smith is collaborating with the project's lead researcher, Charles Hughes, director of the Media Convergence Lab and a professor in UCF's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. During their preliminary work, they found that UCF could produce a viable and reproducible program with software to track patients' pr
'/>"/>
| Contact: Zenaida Gonzalez Kotala zkotala@mail.ucf.edu 407-823-6120 University of Central Florida Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Blood pressure drug telmisartan shows powerful activity against stroke
2. Stroke victims may benefit from stem cell transplants
3. Blueberry and green tea containing supplement protects against stroke damage
4. Scientists ask whether microscaffolding can help stem cells rebuild brain after stroke damage
5. Can micro-scaffolding help stem cells rebuild the brain after stroke?
6. Tracking stroke
7. New 3-D ultrasound could improve stroke diagnosis, care
8. Study finds possible connection between marijuana abuse and stroke or heart attacks
9. Even low levels of air pollution may pose stroke risk
10. Stroke study reveals key target for improving treatment and suggests that Gleevec may help
11. Stroke and SIDS in Alaska topics of neuroscience conference
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |