Assessing the Potential Utility of a Virtual and Mixed/Augmented Reality System to Assist in Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Stroke is the number one cause of disability in the United States. This thesis summarizes current techniques and technologies for stroke rehabilitation and in addition, describes a revolutionary new concept and rehabilitation system, Visually Directed Intention (VDI), created by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (Indiana University). The purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility and potential of her system through comparative research and expert opinion. Dr. Taylor‟s rehabilitation system harnesses several technologies such as mixed reality, biofeedback, and game-like environments. Key concepts such as visualization, intention, motivation and repetition are also pivotal to her ideology. Specifically the system uses biofeedback, viewed through a mixed reality headset to motivate a user to utilize nerves and muscles he/she may have lost through experiencing a stroke. In order to properly identify and analyze current methods used in stroke rehabilitation, several subject matter experts (SME) at the University of Chicago‟s Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) were interviewed. The SME provided useful critique on current stroke rehabilitation techniques, technologies and Dr. Taylor‟s innovative concept. Through a general qualitative interview, examining the SMEs research and actually experimenting with some of their technologies, meaningful insight into expert opinions on stroke rehabilitation technologies was obtained. After several detailed interviews at the RIC, the experts agreed that VDI is noble concept and has great potential. Although they had some specific comments about how to properly utilize the technologies involved, overall they believe the system encompasses Assessing the Potential Utility for a Mixed Reality System (vii) several exciting and motivating features that will significantly improve the rehabilitation process.