Design and Implementation of an Exergame Using Image Processing Techniques for Telerehabilitation of Patients with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, due to physical problems of patients or restrictions on social interactions in COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation based on virtual reality (VR) attracted the attention of many researchers. Method: In this applied research, a Kinect sensor and an image processing software were used to design and implement a motion simulator for rehabilitation of patients with physical problems in upper or lower limb. To do this, the patient was supposed to touch or catch moving objects such as a bee. The movement of objects was based on physician’s decision and while comparing patients’ movements with reference ones in the designed system, the patient was encouraged to correct his/her movements to finally be able to do them in the desired manner. In the designed system, it is possible to monitor the patient’ movements outside the clinical environment and based on telerehabilitation. Results: The efficiency of the designed system in patients with physical disabilities was investigated based on quantitative analysis (via motion charts) and qualitative analysis (through questionnaire). Conclusion: The results showed the high efficiency of this system in analysis of patients’ movements (through comparing it with reference ones), and the possibility to practically use it in rehabilitation centers especially in recent situation of covid-19 pandemic

Keywords

• virtual reality
• telerehabilitation
• image processing
• exergame