NTT – Neurorehabilitation Training ToolKit
The NTT training consists of a bilateral upper limb task that requires practicing movement smoothness, range of motion, arm displacement and arm coordination. The patient’s hand movements are tracked by means of one or two computer mice (there exist support for other interfaces). The physical movements of the patient control the steering direction of a glider that flies forward at a constant speed, accumulating collectable objects. NTT has the built-in capacity to adjust the training parameters to each patient performance, to avoid stressful/boring configurations, maximize learning, and to maximize user engagement. Further, NTT exploits a simple narrative structure to build a story around the training task to increase the engagement of patients, facilitate the comprehension of the training objectives, and, most importantly, to deliver a clear sense of progress and reward for accomplishments. An optimal training consists of several training sessions a week, with a suggested frequency of at least 3 sessions a week. A normal training session lasts 20 minutes.
Screenshots and Videos
Spoiler
Youtube - Neurorehabilitation Training Toolkit (NTT) - MS Kinect
Neurorehabilitation Training Toolkit (NTT) - MS Kinect
Screenshots
0-Game (1).png
0-NTT_interaction (1).png
CDC8.tmp_ (1).jpg
NTT2 (1).jpg
NTT3 (1).jpg
Requirements
In its current form, the NTT training task requires patients to be able to read, and not to have major cognitive deficits and seizures, sensory aphasias, or other perceptual problems that could impede the understanding of the task.
A computer running Windows O.S. (tested on Windows XP, 7, 8.x)
There are multiple supported interfaces (up to 2 computer mice, webcam, myomo’s mpower 1000, kinect v1 and v2 and wiimote through the Reh@Panel), but the basic version works with 1 or 2 computer mice.
Publications
The Neurorehabilitation Training Toolkit (NTT): A Novel Worldwide Accessible Motor Training Approach for At-Home Rehabilitation after Stroke
Author: Bermúdez i Badia, S. and Cameirao, M.S.
Published in: Stroke Research and Treatment
Combining virtual reality and a myoelectric limb orthosis to restore active movement after stroke: a pilot study
Author: Bermúdez i Badia, S., Lewis E. and Bleakley, S.
Published in: Journal
Technical Assistance
neurorehabilitation@m-iti.org
License
This software was developed by Sergi Bermudez i Badia © 2011-14 (sergi.bermudez@uma.pt).
This software started as a research collaboration among the Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute (M-ITI), the Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) and Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) of Carnegie Mellon University, and myomo inc. Currently being further developed by the NeuroRehabLab at UMa (neurorehabilitation.m-iti.org) and it is based on the NTT.
This software is COPYRIGHTED © and provided exclusively for research purposes and can not be distributed without permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
FAQs
What is the Neurorehabilitation Training Toolkit (NTT)?
The NTT is a computer software designed for upper limb rehabilitation, that builds on the concepts of repetitive and task oriented training, known to support and effectively mobilize neural plasticity. A bimanual training task is selected for a number of reasons; among them the fact that the ability of supporting the paretic arm activity with the healthy arm enables a larger spectrum of motor impaired users.
What do I need to use the application?
In order to use the NTT you will only need a computer running Windows™ OS (Windows XP or newer).
What interfaces can I use with the application?
You can use multiple interfaces, depending on your PC configuration and hardware available. Interfaces are either supported natively by the NTT, or they may require an additional application. The NTT can be used natively with 1 (for unimanual training) or 2 (for bimanual training) USB computer mice.
For use with advanced interfaces please contact neuroerhabilitation@m-iti.org, including webcam and Augmented Reality (AR) Markers, Myomo’s mpower 1000, support for the Kinect™ v1 and v2 sensors and Wii™ remote controller, which require the installation of additional software and more advanced knowledge.
Does it run on other OS such as Mac or Linux?
The application has been compiled for Windows™ and currently, it is only available for this OS. If you are interested in a Mac or Linux build, please contact neuroerhabilitation@m-iti.org.
Is this application free?
The NTT was developed by the NeuroRehabLab (http://neurorehabilitation.m-iti.org/) for the RehabNet project (303891 FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG) of the Framework Program 7 of the European Commission (http://neurorehabilitation.m-iti.org/rehabnet-project/), and is offered free of cost. The user may use the game for therapeutic applications with their patients. The game may not be sold or shared or hosted on another site. If another user is interested in the game they should download it directly from the ORI website. For research purposes, please email neurorehabilitation@m-iti.org.
I cannot connect an interface, what can I do?
If you have followed the guidelines to connect this device to your PC and it still doesn’t work, we suggest you to ask for help to a trustworthy IT guy or to look for information online.
Are the data confidential?
The application will not register any name or personal data that can identify any user.
Is this application clinically validated?
The NTT has been tested with stroke survivors, but a longitudinal clinical validation of the impact of the system has not been done yet. In a pilot evaluation, we have successfully deployed and assessed our system with three chronic stroke patients by means of behavioral data and self-report questionnaires. The results show that our system is able to restore up to 60% of the active movement capability of patients through the mpower robotic device. Further, we show that we can assess the specific contribution of the biceps/triceps movement of the paretic arm in a VR bilateral training task. Questionnaire data show enjoyment and acceptance of the developed rehabilitation system and its VR training task.