L-NeRVEn virtual environment for neurorehabilitation: architecture, functionality, and evaluation

Abstract This article presents L-NeRVEn, a software solution for after-stroke upper limb neurorehabilitation utilizing collaborative virtual reality (VR). L-NeRVEn offers a shared virtual environment, experienced via a VR headset, with animated full-body avatars representing both the therapist and the patient. The patient’s task is to imagine a particular movement with his or her disabled limb and the success of this imagination is determined by the processing and classification of the patient’s electroencephalography (EEG) signal. The EEG processing component is loosely coupled with the rest of the solution and can be easily modified or replaced. The article focuses on the architecture and appearance of L-NeRVEn, explains the role of its users, and the interaction of its components. It also presents the results of L-NeRVEn evaluation with n = 18 participants, utilizing subjective (SUS, IPQ and NASA-TLX questionnaires) and objective (video recordings and observer’s notes) methods.