Neuro-physical rehabilitation by means of novel touch technologies.

In this work, we present the results of collaboration between an engineering department and a rehabilitation hospital in using innovative touch interfaces properly designed for both neurocognitive and physical rehabilitation. The novel touch interface also measures force, thereby enabling dexterity training through 'direct' manipulation of virtual objects in 3D. Two dimensions are recorded via touch screen, the third by the force channel. We believe that this tool could increase the degree of effectiveness of traditional rehabilitation treatments thanks to its capability to merge physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Furthermore, the exergames implemented allow an easy personalization of the exercise structure and difficulty level. The effectiveness of the FP technology compared with more traditional methods of rehabilitation is measured according to specific parameters observed in an experimental group in comparison with a control group.

Force and touch make video games 'serious' for dexterity rehabilitation.

Computerized interfaces are able to represent 3D immersive simulations. Most of them make use of joystick, mouse, gloves, or grasp pressure transducers. Those have the drawback of 'filtering' the user interaction and/or de-locate the touch with respect to the visual stimulus. To overcome this we developed dexterity rehabilitation games on a novel touch interface that measures also force. The system allows dexterity training through 'direct' manipulation of virtual objects in 3D. Two dimensions via the touch screen, the third by the force channel. Tactile feedback is provided with a vibration device mounted on the screen back.