Development of dynamic body-balance training system applying virtual reality technology

身体平衡的改善对于许多康复患者来说至关重要，因为运动性能从根本上取决于姿势稳定性和平衡^<1，2）>。但是，关于提高动态身体平衡，特别是坐姿的有效练习的信息非常有限^<3）>。我们开发了一种独特的训练系统，旨在通过先进的虚拟现实技术提高身体平衡和力量。在训练过程中，个人计算机检测坐在或站在大屏幕显示器前的测力板上的患者的压力中心，并创建交互式虚拟空间，其中显示患者的化身。患者可以通过将躯干倾斜到他想要去的方向来交互地在虚拟空间中移动他的化身。6名健康男性参与的3D运动分析和肌电图研究显示，该训练系统比普通日常锻炼更能激活躯干肌肉。在训练过程中，心率略有增加，但从未超过100次/分。根据VAS系统，大多数人认为训练是愉快的，娱乐的，喜欢的，多样的，友好的。该训练系统可以改善和增强（1）视觉，前庭和本体感觉神经系统的多种感觉输入的整合，（2）肌肉力量和柔韧性;（3）日常锻炼的动力，让患者不再感到无聊或耐心。因此，该装置可应用于（1）患者的早期截肢，（2）老年人的福尔斯预防，（3）运动康复，（4）儿童教育训练器，（5）平衡功能的测量。

Improvement of body balance is essentially important for many patients on rehabilitation, because motor performance fundamentally depends on postural stability and balance ^<1,2)>. But, there is only limited information about the effective exercises for improvement of dynamic body balance, especially in sitting position ^<3)>.We have developed an unique training system aiming at improvement of body balance and strength by means of advanced technology of virtual reality. During the training, a personal computer detects the center of pressure of the patient who sits or stands on a force plate in front of a large-screen display and creates interactive virtual space, in which an incarnation of the patient is shown. The patient can move his incarnation around in the virtual space interactively by inclining his body trunk to the direction he intends to go.3D-motion analysis and electro-myographical study, in which 6 healthy men participated, revealed that this training system could activate trunk muscles more than ordinary daily exercises. During the training, slight increase was observed in their Heart Rate, but it never exceeded 100 beats/min. According to the VAS system, most of them regarded the training to be rather enjoyable, entertaining, favorite, varied, and friendly.This training system can improve and enhance (1) integration of multiple sensory inputs from visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive nervous systems, (2) muscle strength and flexibility; (3) motivation for the daily exercises, so that the patients should not be bored or patient any more. So, the device can be applied to (1) early ambulation of patients, (2) prevention of falls of the elderly, (3) athletic rehabilitation, (4) educational trainer for children, (5) measurement of balance function.