Virtual Reality Proprioceptive Adaptation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for understanding neural interplay during proprioceptive adaptation in lower limbs, especially in dual task paradigms, are limited by the need for physical performance in supervised environments, which can be risky for patients with disabilities and do not effectively simulate collision avoidance and postural stability tasks.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method and system that uses a Virtual Reality environment to monitor and analyze neural interplay by simulating Single Limb Stance and collision avoidance tasks, employing EMG sensors and motion sensors to estimate model parameters such as Centre of Mass sway, collision rate, and muscle co-activation, allowing for prioritization analysis between postural stability and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical performance tests are conducted in supervised environments to understand neural interplay during proprioceptive adaptation, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to high risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical dual-task environment using VR technology. Patients perform collision avoidance and postural stability tasks in a simulated setting that replicates the neural demands of the original physical task without the physical risks. The virtual obstacle course, virtual platform with simulated motion, and virtual dual-task conditions provide measurement data about neural interplay during proprioceptive adaptation while eliminating fall and injury risks.
2Loss of information
If complex dual task paradigms requiring simultaneous motor and cognitive performance are used to study neural interplay, then understanding of task prioritization and neural interplay is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to need for supervised physical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system requiring supervised performance with an automated virtual reality system. The VR environment automatically presents dual-task scenarios (collision avoidance plus cognitive task), tracks performance through sensors, and collects data without requiring physical therapist supervision for each trial. This substitution maintains the complexity needed to study neural interplay while simplifying operation for patients and reducing supervisory burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If repetitive physical training tasks are performed to induce proprioceptive adaptation, then proprioceptive adaptation and motor skill acquisition are improved, but patient safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical demands on disabled patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual reality as an intermediary medium between the patient's nervous system and the physical world. The VR system transmits sensory feedback (visual, haptic through controller vibration, proprioceptive through simulated movement) that triggers real neural adaptation without requiring dangerous physical repetition. Patients can perform repeated collision avoidance and postural tasks in the virtual environment, inducing proprioceptive adaptation and motor learning while the virtual intermediary protects them from physical injury.
Data Source
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AI summary
Collision avoidance and postural stability adjustment may provide an effective dual task paradigm to interpret the effect of proprioceptive adaptation on balance control. However, conventionally tasks are physical tasks performed under supervision in specific set up environments. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for interpreting neural interplay involving proprioceptive adaptation in a lower limb during a dual task paradigm. The disclosed method provides a better interpreting of the neuronal mechanisms underlying adaptation and learning of skilled motor movement and to determine the relationship of lower limb proprioceptive sense and postural stability by simulating integration of a Single Limb Stance (SLS) functionality test for postural stability and a single limb collision avoidance task, in an adaptive Virtual Reality (VR) environment provided to a subject.