Rehab

Haptics help patients grasp their way to recovery

Rehab Regs, July 7, 2005

Stroke patients who face months of ongoing rehab to regain the use of impaired limbs may benefit from new haptics systems, interfaces that add a sense of touch to virtual computer environments, according to Ventures & Law Weekly. The new systems are being designed by researchers at the University of Southern California and are challenging stroke patients to grasp, pinch, squeeze, throw, and push their way to recovery. The technology got its start in commercial gaming with the use of joysticks and steering wheels that vibrated as the driver sped along a video racetrack. Researchers are now using more sensitive, high-end devices that render touch sensations in three dimensions, reported Ventures & Law Weekly.

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