Using ambulatory virtual environments for the assessment of functional gait impairment: a proof-of-concept study.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to demonstrate the sensitivity of virtual reality (VR)/motion tracking to detect global functional gait impairment resulting from an emulated knee disability as a prelude to describing mobility changes following lower limb injury/treatment. Participants walked in a figure-8 around two virtual posts placed 6m apart while viewing the computer-generated environment in a helmet-mounted display. Three-dimensional position and orientation of the participant's head were tracked and used to update the virtual scenes, measure walking path and speed, and control task parameters with real-time feedback. Participants walked with/without an emulated lower extremity disability (splint preventing normal knee flexion). Participants performed the task at self-selected Natural (NAT) speed p

SUBMITTER: Gerin-Lajoie M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2854238 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature