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Haptic Simulation of the Feel of the Body Surface for Training in Palpatory Diagnosis
Author(s) -
Howell John,
Conatser Robert,
Eland David,
Williams Robert
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.301.4
Subject(s) - haptic technology , correctness , virtual reality , physical medicine and rehabilitation , task (project management) , computer science , psychology , medicine , physical therapy , human–computer interaction , simulation , management , economics , programming language
Surface anatomy plays a special role in osteopathic medicine because palpatory diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems is prerequisite to manipulative treatment. As part of the physical exam, students learn to palpate the back for signs of dysfunction, which may be somatic or visceral in origin, and may be mediated by altered excitability of spinal neurons. The Virtual Haptic Back (VHB), a virtual reality simulation of the contours and textures of the human back, is used to help students learn palpatory diagnosis. Two haptic interfaces permit students to practice locating by touch regions within the paravertebral musculature of the simulated back having abnormal tissue texture (stiffness). The location of the abnormality varies randomly between trials, and the degree of compliance alteration also varies, allowing differences in task difficulty. In each trial students get immediate feedback as to the correctness of their diagnosis. Data from over 300 students demonstrate: 1) improvement in palpatory precision and speed over six, 15‐minute practice sessions, and 2) positive evaluations of the experience in terms of contributing to the development of student palpatory skills.