# Developing Real-time Interaction and Motion Tracking in Immersive Virtual Reality for Telerehabilitation

> **NIH NIH R41** · MOVE, LLC · 2020 · $242,114

## Abstract

Abstract
Unceasing breakthroughs in technology will shape future healthcare diagnosis, treatment, and
delivery. Telerehabilitation delivers rehabilitative healthcare remotely to overcome spatial,
temporal and economic barriers. Effectiveness of telerehabilitation has been seen for patients
with orthopedic and traumatic injuries, degenerative central nervous system disorders, and
cardiovascular diseases. With the globally growing population of chronically ill and disabled
elders, telerehabilitation is in ever growing demand. However, the current telerehabilitation
methods are predominantly based on audio/video interaction without objective measure of motor
functions. This limitation prevents the delivery of precision medicine and largely constrains the
efficacy and potential of telerehabilitation. A patient- and therapist-facing technology solution
developed by MoVE, LLC, is described, and with proposed advancement is positioned to
dramatically shift the current telerehabilitation diagnosis and intervention paradigm. Specifically,
motion tracking is merged with 3D immersive virtual reality (VR) to render real-time user
interaction and simultaneous motion tracking and analysis in the immersive VR and real
environments. MoVE’s software interfaces with wired/wireless hardware motion sensors and a
3D VR headset for easy deployment at home or clinic. In our proposed Phase I STTR work, MoVE
will collaborate with interdisciplinary university-based experts to achieve three aims in preparation
for Phase II validation and commercialization. Aim 1 cross validates the precision of motion data
captured in VR by introducing wireless optical motion sensors and validating them against the
existing wired magnetic motion sensors. Aim 2 builds and tests the network code for remote data
transmission and interaction via Internet Protocols, which will optimize remote delivery even in
low internet speed/connectivity locations. Aim 3 engages physical therapists serving as pseudo-
patients/-therapists in the design, development, implementation, and testing of a telerehabilitation
diagnostic and therapeutic VR interaction task. Aim 1 and 2 outcomes are requisite to generating
the minimally viable product (Aim 3) that is central to further therapist-informed development of
applications and specific diagnostic and treatment telerehabilitation exercises (gaming-like
activities). The ultimate goal is a patient-centered VR-based interactive telerehabilitation system
with augmented feedback and tele-presence of a therapist. The proposed work will lay a
foundation for a Phase II technology optimization via multi-site clinical trials. Ultimately, a
commercial deployment will be made to penetrate the exploding telehealth market and health
disparities will be minimized by virtue of this product serving people with constrained access to
clinics and rehabilitation services.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10080090
- **Project number:** 1R41MD015689-01
- **Recipient organization:** MOVE, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Derek T. Smith
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $242,114
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-15 → 2021-09-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10080090

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10080090, Developing Real-time Interaction and Motion Tracking in Immersive Virtual Reality for Telerehabilitation (1R41MD015689-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10080090. Licensed CC0.

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