Development of a Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation Platform for Stroke Patients

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents the development of a Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation Platform tailored specifically for stroke patients. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, affecting millions of individuals each year. Traditional rehabilitation methods have shown limitations in engaging patients and maintaining their motivation throughout the rehabilitation process. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool in the field of medical rehabilitation, offering immersive and interactive experiences that can enhance patient engagement and improve outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to design and implement a VR-based rehabilitation platform that addresses the unique needs of stroke patients, with a focus on promoting motor function recovery, cognitive training, and enhancing overall quality of life. The platform integrates customized VR scenarios and exercises that target specific motor and cognitive impairments commonly associated with stroke. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the project, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and key definitions. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review covering various aspects of stroke rehabilitation, VR technology in healthcare, and existing VR-based rehabilitation interventions for stroke patients. Chapter 3 details the research methodology employed in the development and evaluation of the VR-based rehabilitation platform. This includes descriptions of the study design, participant recruitment criteria, data collection methods, software development process, and usability testing procedures. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations of the methodology. Chapter 4 offers a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from testing the VR-based rehabilitation platform with a group of stroke patients. Results from usability testing, user feedback, and performance metrics are analyzed to assess the effectiveness and usability of the platform in a real-world rehabilitation setting. Lastly, Chapter 5 presents the conclusion and summary of the project thesis. The findings of the study are summarized, and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the use of VR technology in medical rehabilitation and provides valuable insights into the design and implementation of innovative rehabilitation interventions for stroke patients.