Ghostman : Augmented Reality Application for Telerehabilitation and Remote Instruction of a Novel Motor Skill

Abstract EN

This paper describes a pilot study using a prototype telerehabilitation system (Ghostman).

Ghostman is a visual augmentation system designed to allow a physical therapist and patient to inhabit each other’s viewpoint in an augmented real-world environment.

This allows the therapist to deliver instruction remotely and observe performance of a motor skill through the patient’s point of view.

In a pilot study, we investigated the efficacy of Ghostman by using it to teach participants to use chopsticks.

Participants were randomized to a single training session, receiving either Ghostman or face-to-face instructions by the same skilled instructor.

Learning was assessed by measuring retention of skills at 24-hour and 7-day post instruction.

As hypothesised, there were no differences in reduction of error or time to completion between participants using Ghostman compared to those receiving face-to-face instruction.

These initial results in a healthy population are promising and demonstrate the potential application of this technology to patients requiring learning or relearning of motor skills as may be required following a stroke or brain injury.