VR-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program – IT & Computer Engineering Guide
1. Project Overview
The VR-based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program is a virtual reality system designed to assist patients with cognitive impairments caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or neurological disorders. It uses immersive 3D environments and interactive tasks to stimulate memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive function. The platform supports therapists in monitoring and customizing therapy.
2. System Architecture Overview
- VR Engine: Delivers immersive therapy scenarios
- Task Module: Contains cognitive exercises and adaptive difficulty
- User Interaction: Tracks gaze, head, hand movements
- Feedback & Analytics: Logs performance, progress, and generates reports
- Therapist Dashboard: Customizes programs and views analytics
- Cloud Storage: Optional remote syncing of user progress
3. Hardware Components
|
Component |
Specifications |
Description |
|
VR Headset |
Meta Quest 2/3, HTC Vive, or Valve Index |
Primary interface for patient therapy |
|
Controllers |
6DOF with ergonomic grip |
For interacting with virtual tasks and tools |
|
Workstation/PC |
GPU: RTX 3060+, RAM: 16GB+ |
Runs therapy simulations and logs data |
|
Optional Sensors |
Eye-tracking or EEG |
For advanced feedback and attention tracking |
4. Software Components
4.1 Development Tools
- Game Engine: Unity 3D or Unreal Engine
- 3D Modeling: Blender, Maya for creating interactive environments
- Backend: Firebase, AWS, or custom Django backend
- Data Visualization: Chart.js, D3.js for therapist dashboard
4.2 Programming Languages
- C# (Unity), Python (data/AI), JavaScript (dashboard), SQL (database)
4.3 Libraries and SDKs
- SteamVR/Oculus SDK
- TensorFlow or PyTorch (for adaptive algorithms)
- OpenXR, Unity XR Toolkit
- Firebase SDK, Chart.js, Bootstrap (web dashboard)
5. Cognitive Therapy Modules
- Memory Games: Recall sequences, object locations
- Attention Tasks: Target tracking, reaction time
- Problem-Solving: Puzzle solving, logic-based challenges
- Planning/Sequencing: Virtual daily routines or missions
- Dual-tasking: Combine physical + cognitive tasks
6. User Experience & Accessibility
- Simplified UI: Visual icons, narrated instructions
- Adjustable Complexity: Therapist-defined task difficulty
- Comfort Settings: Low-motion design, slow movement
- Multi-language Support: For diverse patient populations
7. Data Collection and Feedback
- Metrics: Accuracy, task completion time, attention lapses
- Logs: Stored locally or synced to cloud
- Visual Reports: Graphs of progress over time
- Feedback: Real-time and post-session summaries
8. Therapist Interface
- Web-based portal: Secure login for patient profiles
- Customization: Task presets, duration, feedback types
- Monitoring: View real-time session status or reports
- Export Options: PDF reports for patient records
9. Security and Privacy
- HIPAA/GDPR-compliant data handling
- Encrypted storage and communication
- Consent-based data sharing
- Role-based access (therapist vs patient)
10. Testing and Deployment
- Clinical Trials: Conduct pilot testing with small patient
groups
- Performance: Target latency < 20ms and > 90 FPS
- Cross-Platform: Meta Quest and PC-VR compatibility
- Updates: Cloud-based or side-load OTA updates
11. Future Enhancements
- AI-driven task adjustment
- Biofeedback integration (e.g., HRV)
- Remote therapist monitoring via VR session sharing
- Multiplayer support (e.g., therapist and patient co-play)
- Progress prediction using ML algorithms