Mónica da Silva Cameirão
The Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS): a virtual reality tool for the
rehabilitation of motor deficits
M.S. Cameirão, S. Bermúdez i Badia, L. Zimmerli and P.F.M.J. Verschure
SPECS – Laboratory for Synthetic, Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems
University Pompeu Fabra, Ocata 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
http://www.specs.upf.edu
Abstract
In the last few years several virtual reality systems have been proposed for motor and
cognitive rehabilitation following brain injury [1]. However, the direct impact of these
systems on recovery is not yet that clear and further studies are needed. Nevertheless,
effort has been made in developing systems grounded in the understanding of the
mechanisms of neuronal organization of motor systems and recovery. We have
developed the Rehabilitation Gaming System, a virtual reality based tool for the
rehabilitation of motor deficits of the upper limbs. Arm movements tracked by means of
a motion tracking system are reconstructed onto the movements of virtual limbs that
mimic the movements of the user. The core hypothesis underlying RGS is that through
the presentation of movement intent coupled virtual limbs we can recruit the mirror
neuron system, a special population of neurons that discharge both during goal oriented
action execution and observation of the same action when performed by others [2].
Preliminary single trials performed with stroke patients have shown that our system
retrieves quantitative information that allows detailed assessment of a patient’s deficits
providing a tool for diagnostics and monitoring [3]. In terms of the training task itself,
the gaming parameters can be adapted in order to be directed towards the capabilities of
the patients and the specific rehabilitation regime.
We are currently performing quantitative longitudinal analysis of the relationship
between patient profiles, recovery dynamics and the characteristics of RGS. In addition
we are integrating real-time physiology systems that provide information on the
affective state of the patient.
References
[1] Holden M. Virtual environments for motor rehabilitation: review. 2005; 8(3):187211.
[2] Rizzolatti G, and Craighero, L. The mirror-neuron system. Annu Rev Neurosci
2004; 27:169-192.
[3] Cameirão, M.S., Bermúdez i Badia, S., Duarte Oller, E., Zimmerli, L., and
Verschure, P.F.M.J. The Rehabilitation Gaming System: A virtual reality based system
for the diagnostics and rehabilitation of sensory-motor deficits. Virtual Rehabilitation
2007, 27-29 September, Venice, Italy.