Second generation system development and multi-centre studies of the Elements VR-rehab system

Elements is a table-top virtual reality system designed for rehabilitation of upper-limb function in populations with neuro-cognitive deficits. It includes two sets of virtual task environment (VEs). The first are `goal-directed VEs' whereby participants move tangible user interfaces (TUIs) to visually-cued locations, while receiving augmented feedback (as shown in Figures 1, 2). The second set of VEs are purely exploratory in nature. Small sample trials of Elements for adult TBI patients [1, 2], and children with hemiparesis [3] have yielded positive results for skill acquisition and neuro-cognitive function. Our present aims are fine-tuning the design and performance of Elements and conducting larger multi-centre studies to assess its efficacy.