Dalton Kina

University of SAo Paulo School of Medicine, Brasil

Abstract Title: Applicability of an unstable platform integrated with virtual reality in the rehabilitation of postural control

Biography: Physiotherapist from the Federal University of São Carlos, Master of Science from the Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP). Co-founder of Fisioatual and lead researcher in the project "Robotized Unstable Platform Combined with Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation", funded by the PIPE Innovation Program of the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). Member of the International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation (ISVR.org) and of LETEFE – Laboratory for Studies in Technology, Functionality, and Aging at the Department of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP). Collaborator at LIETEC-UFSCar/CNPq – Laboratory for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Assistive Technology.

Research Interest: Introduction: Cognitive-sensorimotor tasks can be developed safely in controlled environments, using unstable surfaces and motion sensors. Gamification concepts associated with the control of the progression of this instability can be applied in the development of new devices in virtual reality environments. Finally, the application of neuroscientific principles that underlie postural control training and motor learning can enhance the positive effects of innovative technological tasks applied in rehabilitation. Objective: To evaluate the applicability of an unstable platform integrated with virtual reality developed for cognitive-sensorimotor training in a virtual environment aimed at the rehabilitation of postural control. Method: 35 healthy, experienced physical therapists, 26 (74.3%) female, underwent immersive and non-immersive system interventions. Then, participants answered a questionnaire that assesses the necessary requirements for postural control training, the System Framework for Postural Control (SFPC). In addition, they answered the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), to assess the tolerability of the solution, and the System Usability Scale (SUS), which measures the acceptability of new devices. Results: The total average in the SFPC was 7.7 (1.3) for immersive task and 7.9 (1.3) for non-immersive task (p = 0.2). In the SSQ, the average total score was 7.4 (14.4) for immersive task and 2.5 (10.5) for non-immersive task (p = 0.04). The average total score in the SUS was 77.4 (14.4) for the immersive task and 82.4 (10.5) for the non-immersive task (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The unstable platform integrated with virtual reality (VR) was considered applicable, safe and acceptable for postural control training.