An evaluation of the effects on postural stability of a force feedback rendered by a low-cost haptic device in various tasks

Rehabilitation for stroke patients with postural instability or balance disorders can be enhanced using game-based rehabilitative strategies. Our work explored the potential of commercially available haptic devices for a home rehabilitation system. One group of participants used a low-cost device (Falcon) while another group used a high-end device (Omega). Both groups performed various tasks with the haptic device, with the eyes either closed or open. Results showed that participants interacted somewhat differently with the two devices, although the analysis of the center of pressure showed qualitatively similar balance performance for the two groups. Light touch task increased the stability, whereas the force tasks decreased it. This study showed that a low-cost haptic device can affect postural stability in a controllable way.