Snowboarding Simulator
VT: SNOWBOARDING SIMULATOR
After receiving a prosthetic limb, patients experience a unique set of challenges which impact the daily lives and activities of affected individuals. In order to improve their everyday life, many programs, such as Quality of Life Plus (QL+) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), work with wounded veterans to minimize these effects through rehabilitation and adaptive technologies in hopes of returning patients to previously enjoyed activities. WRNMMC has a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) system which represents a new era in rehabilitation by utilizing virtual reality to simulate environments patients may face. With the popularity of snowboarding as an adaptive sport, and the heel-to-toe weight distribution component of the sport, a CAREN snowboarding simulation would be useful for patients. WRNMMC has attempted snowboard simulation in the past with the CAREN system, mainly relying on placing the snowboard on a static device such as a foam block. However, the previous simulation attempts were unrealistic and have not provided sufficient feedback that would aid in the rehabilitation process. Senior Design Team #8 has been tasked with creating a realistic snowboarding simulation for the patients at WRNMMC.