Overcoming the Information Overload Problem in a Multiform Feedback Based Virtual Reality System for Hand Motion Rehabilitation

Abstract

The hand motion function of Cerebral Palsy (CP) and stroke patients could be improved by task-oriented rehabilitation. Nowadays, there is a move in the development of the rehabilitation environment from the real world to virtual worlds. Patients could benefit from virtual reality (VR) based rehabilitation by multimodal and multiform feedback. However, it is recognised that such feedback might cause information overload, leading to the patient feeling confused and distracted during training. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of separate function-specific feedback training exercises prior to the task-orientated multiple feedback training exercise in order to overcome the information overload problem. This paper presents a brief report of three training exercises, which include static reaching, rotating and muscle contraction feedback.