The implementation and evaluation of a virtual haptic back

Abstract

A virtual haptic back (VHB) model has been developed by a cross-disciplinary team of researchers at Ohio University. Haptics give the human the sense of touch and force from virtual computer models. The objective is to create a tool for medical and related education whereby students can train in the difficult art of palpation using virtual reality before approaching human subjects. Palpation is the art of medical diagnosis through the sense of touch. Haptic anatomy could be a key area in the future of medical school training; our goal is to add science to the art of palpation to improve osteopathic, physical therapy and massage therapy training for students and practitioners. Modelling of the VHB took place in two steps. First, Cartesian back data was collected via the Metrecom Skeletal Analysis System (SAS) digitiser. The back of a prone human subject was digitised, giving an array of three-dimensional points. Several methods were considered to smooth out the back data. Spline fitting with matched first and second derivates was the chosen method. Once an acceptable graphical model was created, haptic feedback was added using the PHANToM haptic interface, allowing the human user to explore and feel the virtual back. Experienced and novice palpators formally evaluated the VHB to give us feedback for improvements. In addition, four Doctors of Osteopathy informally interacted with our model and gave verbal feedback. Our experts all suggested modelling underlying muscles and skeletal structure in addition to the skin layer for more realism. Once this is accomplished we will further program somatic dysfunction of various types in the VHB for students to diagnose. This article contributes to the state of the art in virtual haptic anatomy. While other research groups are working in this area, our work is the first specifically aimed towards osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, and massage therapy students and practitioners.