Using augmented reality to improve walking in stroke survivors

In stroke survivors walking ability is often compromised. In particular, gait velocity and walking distance are reduced as a result of a shorter stride length and slower cadence. The goal of this project is to apply and evaluate the performance of subjects who are poststroke and are given the task of stepping over obstacles. Virtual objects were presented to subjects walking on a treadmill. Performance comparisons were made with real obstacles in an overground-walking environment. The virtual object method is potentially more beneficial because it allows individuals to practice stepping over objects of any height and length combination, in a safe and therapeutic environment.