Hand Function Training in Haptic Virtual Environment

Continuing advances in virtual environment (VE) technology such as the new addition of force and touch feedbacks have enhanced VE realism and supported the development of more useful and accessible VE systems. One of the useful VE systems is telerehabilitation system. This paper introduces the framework of a new VE telerehabilitation system. A training exercise in the system is designed for users with hand dysfunction. The exercise is to train hand movement from two aspects of motion speed and precision. A haptic device PHANTOM Premium 1.0 is used to give the user immediate force feedbacks and make him/her feel more immersed in the VE while he/she implements the training task. The implementation performances are calculated and given to the user after each exercise. They are also saved in files for the evaluation and prescription from the therapist