[WEB SITE] What is Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN)?

We’re the only private clinic in the US using a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment—a state of the art rehabilitation technology developed for the military. Traditionally, physical therapists taught healthy movement by demonstrating a motion, then correcting patients as they repeat it. At our clinic, patients interact with a virtual reality environment while CAREN captures their motion with 12 infrared cameras and provides real-time feedback. By removing human error from physical therapy, we save time and can deliver unparalleled results.

We are thrilled to be able to offer our patients treatment using Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) is a versatile, multi sensory Virtual Reality system for treatment and rehabilitation of the human locomotion (walking), back pain, posture, balance , spinal stability and motor control integration. A physical therapist can name every muscle in the body, but if they asked you to put more force on the deltoid or the adductor longus muscle, would you know what they meant? The fact is that physical therapy is a constant back-and-forth interaction between the patient and the therapist. The therapist has to communicate the right motions to strengthen and move the muscles, the patient has to take that command and execute the required motion. The therapist must then evaluate the motion and decide whether the exercise served its purpose or the motion needs to be adjusted. In this scenario, it can be hard for the patient to understand how to move properly and the therapist may not be able to see which muscles were used to complete the motion. If a patient favors one muscle group over another, it may be that the ones that actually need the work never get the appropriate attention. Now, with a revolutionary tool for physical therapy sessions that use a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN), these types of issues are no longer a concern. This virtual reality tool creates a simulated environment whereby people who have suffered an injury can receive physical therapy in a way that makes it clear what muscles are being activated. The computer assisted rehabilitation environment is like walking into a Star Trek holodeck in its ability to immerse the patient in a variety of virtual environments with games or exercises programmed to help with specific motor actions. The floor of the deck consists of a circular platform, three meters in diameter, that integrates a treadmill and a force plate to measure the movements on the platform. The patient is strapped into a harness to remove any fear of falling. Then, sensors and reflective strips are put on the body. Twelve cameras sit around the platform getting a 360 degree view of the motion as the patient attempts to do the exercises or run through the virtual program which plays on the screen in front of them. These measurements can then provide real-time feedback during the program to help the patient improve their performance. […]

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[VIDEO] C A R E N – Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment System at the University of South Florida – YouTube

Published on Oct 1, 2014

When you see the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment system (CAREN) in action, the room-sized simulator resembles a giant video game, complete with avatars. Scenes projected on its 180-degree screen range from walking through a forest to driving past cityscapes to riding on a wave-tossed boat.

The three-dimensional virtual reality system engages and entertains – but its purpose is serious.

The system’s immersive environment and interactive gaming elements safely challenge people to learn new strategies for coping with changes in their balance, coordination or mobility caused by disability, traumatic injury or aging. The advanced technology also gives researchers the scientific tools they need to advance the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.