Learning arm movements using virtual reality and robotic feedback

Researchers want to understand how people learn to move their arms when sensory information — like feeling where your arm actually is — is altered using a robotic device and virtual reality. You'll practice reaching toward targets on a screen while wearing a robotic arm that can be held still (so you feel resistance but see movement on screen) or move freely. The study compares these two conditions to see which helps people learn better, in both healthy adults and stroke survivors.

After a stroke, many people have difficulty moving their affected arm. Scientists have found that learning movement skills when sensory feedback is changed in specific ways might help retrain the brain and improve recovery. This study will test whether this works in a realistic 3D virtual environment, which could eventually lead to better rehabilitation techniques.