Evaluation of a Virtual Reality-Based Wearable Device for Patients with Ankle Movement Disorders

Introduction: Rehabilitation is one of the priorities that should be performed on patients with stroke injuries or accidents leading to disability. This study aimed to evaluate the equipment and designed virtual reality environment to improve the treatment of patients with mobility problems in the lower torso (ankle). Method: The research consisted of three basic parts. In the section of mechanics, a movement mechanism was developed after design, and with the help of electronic equipment and Arduino (1.18.5), movements were measured. And finally, by designing a virtual reality environment in Unity software, communication with hardware, processors, and sensors was provided. Results: Paying attention to graphic attractiveness and encouraging users to reuse the virtual reality system is one of the desirable results of this project, which can be effective in motivating users. In addition, considering the existence of distance and time of movement in a virtual reality environment, which depends on the user's movements in the real environment, it is possible to intelligently assess the patient's progress based on the number of sessions and distance traveled. Conclusion: Virtual reality-based rehabilitation methods can have a good effect on the treatment process due to the graphic attractiveness in this environment, and along with other rehabilitation methods, can be effective in faster recovery of people who need rehabilitation services. This method can help patients return to normal living conditions and reduce the time of this process.