Development of an Interactive Stepping Game to Reduce Falls in the Elderly
By Lange, B.S.; Flynn, S.M.; Chang, C.Y.; Liang, W.; Chieng, C.L.; Si, Y.; Nanavati, C.; Rizzo, A.A.; Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies (2010 ICDVRAT),Publication Date: 2010
Paper outlines the development of a prototype rhythm game to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults. The system consists of a PC, two Logitech web cameras, and two different colored light emitting diode (LED) devices. The LED devices attach to the right and left shoe of the user with an adjustable band. The system incorporates an algorithm of feature point based motion tracking using the two web cameras. The algorithm tracks the two LED objects independent of one another in real time three-dimensional space. The game based interaction was developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Ogre3D, an open source gaming engine. The goal of the game is for the player to control two shoes on the screen. The player is given cues on the screen to move the left and right shoe toward green and orange footprint targets, respectively, using their own foot movement in time to a steady beat. When a target is captured, a sound effect is generated to provide extrinsic knowledge of performance to the player. Using an options menu, players can adjust the speed, target pattern, and difficulty level of the game. The system underwent preliminary usability assessment with 3 physical therapists and 4 healthy participants aged 16 to 43 years. Based on suggestions from participants, further enhancements of the device include a redesign of the LED shoe strap, design of a height adjustable camera stand for optimum and individualized camera placement, an enhanced clinician user interface menu, and an enhanced step pattern selection menu.
Published by: International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation (Website:http://www.isvr.org/)
ISBN: 978-07049-15022
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J62808
