Wii Remote Used for Robotic Research | Edge Online

Wii Remote Used for Robotic Research | Edge Online

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The "robot teachers" that Rice is researching aren't of the pulp magazine variety. The school explained, "Think of hitting a tennis ball. Learning by trial-and-error is fine, but it would be much easier if a robotic sleeve could tell you exactly where that hitch in your swing is and gently prod you to hit the ball correctly."

Researchers will analyze motion using the controller, and compare that to a high-end motion capture device from Vicon.

Rice professors Marcia O'Malley and Michael Byrne are leading the project. O'Malley previously researched ways robots can be used to treat stroke victims, and this study is an extension of that research into "cognitive modeling of human motor skill acquisition."

A limb action detector enabling people with multiple disabilities to control environmental stimulation through limb action with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller.

Res Dev Disabil. 2010 Sep-Oct;31(5):1047-53. Epub 2010 May 15.

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Abstract

This study assessed whether two persons with multiple disabilities would be able to control environmental stimulation using limb action with a Nintendo Wii Remote Controller and a newly developed limb action detection program (LADP, i.e., a new software program that turns a Wii Remote Controller into a precise limb action detector). This study was carried out according to an ABAB sequence in which A represented baseline and B represented intervention phases. Data showed that both participants significantly increased their target response, thus increasing the level of environmental stimulation by activating the control system through limb action, during the intervention phases. Practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shih CH, Chang ML, Shih CT.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Using Wii Gaming Technology in Stroke Rehabilitation. A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial and Proof of Principle.

Stroke. 2010 May 27.
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemiparesis resulting in functional limitation of an upper extremity is common among stroke survivors. Although existing evidence suggests that increasing intensity of stroke rehabilitation therapy results in better motor recovery, limited evidence is available on the efficacy of virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation. METHODS: In this pilot, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial with 2 parallel groups involving stroke patients within 2 months, we compared the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of virtual reality using the Nintendo Wii gaming system (VRWii) versus recreational therapy (playing cards, bingo, or "Jenga") among those receiving standard rehabilitation to evaluate arm motor improvement. The primary feasibility outcome was the total time receiving the intervention. The primary safety outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing intervention-related adverse events during the study period. Efficacy, a secondary outcome measure, was evaluated with the Wolf Motor Function Test, Box and Block Test, and Stroke Impact Scale at 4 weeks after intervention. RESULTS: Overall, 22 of 110 (20%) of screened patients were randomized. The mean age (range) was 61.3 (41 to 83) years. Two participants dropped out after a training session. The interventions were successfully delivered in 9 of 10 participants in the VRWii and 8 of 10 in the recreational therapy arm. The mean total session time was 388 minutes in the recreational therapy group compared with 364 minutes in the VRWii group (P=0.75). There were no serious adverse events in any group. Relative to the recreational therapy group, participants in the VRWii arm had a significant improvement in mean motor function of 7 seconds (Wolf Motor Function Test, 7.4 seconds; 95% CI, -14.5, -0.2) after adjustment for age, baseline functional status (Wolf Motor Function Test), and stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS: VRWii gaming technology represents a safe, feasible, and potentially effective alternative to facilitate rehabilitation therapy and promote motor recovery after stroke.

Saposnik G, Teasell R, Mamdani M, Hall J, McIlroy W, Cheung D, Thorpe KE, Cohen LG, Bayley M; for the Stroke Outcome Research Canada (SORCan) Working Group.