Designing and Integrating Electronics for Bespoke Rehabilitation Experiences in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Available virtual reality (VR) input devices, such as controllers enabling user interaction with the virtual environment, typically do not meet the requirements for rehabilitation. The therapeutic exercises used in the treatment of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke or musculoskeletal injuries) are mainly associated with rehabilitating the muscles of the arm, wrist, and fingers. Design requirements for devising a therapeutic interaction technique for VR rehabilitation training systems (RTSs) include sensing, identifying other input requirements, and setting exercise parameters using outputs. Therefore, dedicated electronics solutions are needed to meet the needs of bespoke rehabilitation experiences in VR. In this study, therapeutic interaction requirements were identified by exploring therapeutic exercises. The aim is to provide a dedicated electronics solution incorporating input and output systems developed for therapeutic purposes. We identify design requirements to be considered when designing and implementing electronics for rehabilitation training in VR. These cover power, connectivity, modularity, and operational and physical design requirements. The proposed electronics solution fulfills these requirements and is integrated into a bespoke controller for VR rehabilitation. Furthermore, in this article, we (1) provide a set of design principles for designing a therapeutic interaction technique for VR headsets; (2) describe the process involved in the design and integration of electronics for bespoke rehabilitation experiences; (3) demonstrate how the electronics meet the requirements of the prototyping development process; and (4) describe the design and working principles and integration of custom electronics in a bespoke controller for VR rehabilitation. The proposed electronics solution fulfills the requirements of bespoke controller designs and provides per-patient customized interactions. Moreover, the solution allows for adjustment of the level of the rehabilitation exercises using outputs and recording of the patient performance data, which can be utilized by therapists.