The use of a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN) for enhancing wounded warrior rehabilitation regimens

The computer-assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN) is presented as a novel technology to improve physical and cognitive skills for wounded warfighters. The CAREN system consists of a motion capture system and a base driven by hydraulic and mechanical actuators to create a virtual environment for rehabilitation. The system allows therapists to collect kinematic and kinetic data to plan future rehabilitation regimens in a safe and controlled setting, simulating real-world challenges.

• 1
  Virtual reality-based gait training programs can positively influence physiological and biomechanical performance in individuals with combat injuries.
• 2
  The CAREN system offers a safe, interactive setting for users while simultaneously capturing kinematic and kinetic data, thereby enhancing rehabilitation programs.
• 3
  A study demonstrated that transfemoral amputees subjected to lateral perturbations on the CAREN platform tended to overuse their uninjured limb to avoid falling.