VR Prosthetics Training: Development of the System
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Virtual Reality Prosthetics Training System: Development of the System
IRAS ID
244066
Contact name
Ramesh Munjal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 15 days
Research summary
People with arm amputations or those born without arms can learn to use prosthetic limbs in which grip is controlled by electrical signals generated from muscle movements (myo-electric) in their remaining stump. However, the current NHS training protocol for these patients is costly, and boring for patients. We have previously piloted a Virtual Reality (VR)system with seven patients who wore a VR headset and sensors on their amputated arm in a mock training environment. They reported that this was a good way to learn how to use a new prosthetic am before they had one fitted. We want to develop and build a VR system that improves the current NHS training for patients in order for them to get a myo-electric prosthetic arm. They could also use the system to learn how to become an advanced user once they have the arm. Digital gaming methods will be used to make the training fun. Therapists will be shown how to set up and use the system in clinics. Eventually, patients will also be able to take the system home to practice. We believe that repeated training will make it easier to learn how to have greater control of the arm. This will save time by cutting the number of clinic visits and costs, while giving a better experience and making the training programme more effective. Patient participation is central to this bid to build in their needs, and they will input into and test the early versions of the training system. Some will give direct feedback during real-time changes to the software. The system will collect data during the training sessions to measure progress. In this initial study we will develop the training system using input from patients and clinicians. This system will then be tested in a subsequent study.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0461
Date of REC Opinion
17 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion