A Technical Framework for Musical Biofeedback in Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract: We here present work a generalized low-level technical framework aimed to provide musical biofeedback in post-stroke balance and gait rehabilitation, built by an iterative user-centered process. The framework comprises wireless wearable inertial sensors and a software interface developed using inexpensive and open-source tools. The interface enables layered and adjustable music synthesis, real-time control over biofeedback parameters in several training modes, and extensive supplementary functionality. We evaluated the system in terms of technical performance, finding that the system has sufficiently low loop delay (~90 ms), good sensor range (>9 m) and low computational load even in its most demanding operation mode. In a series of expert interviews, selected training interactions using the system were deemed by clinicians to be meaningful and relevant to clinical protocols with comprehensible feedback (albeit sometimes unpleasant or disturbing) for a wide patient demographic. Future studies will focus on using this framework with real patients to both develop the interactions further and measure their effects during therapy.