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Motek Medical's Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN)-Extended system is a virtual environment primarily used in physical rehabilitation and biomechanical research. This virtual environment consists of a 180 degree projection screen used to display a virtual scene, a 12- camera motion capture system, and a 6 degree of freedom actuated platform equipped with a dual-belt treadmill and two force plates. The goal of this article was to investigate the performance characteristics associated with a “treadmill-motion platform” configuration and how system operation can affect the data collected. Platform static and dynamic characteristics were evaluated by translating or rotating the platform over progressively larger distances and comparing input and measured values. Treadmill belt speed was assessed with and without a person walking on the platform and at different orientations. Force plate measurements were examined when the treadmill was in operation, during ambulation, and over time to observe the baseline drift. Platform acceleration was dependent on the distance travelled and system settings. Treadmill speed variability was greatest at faster speeds. Force plate measurements were affected by platform and treadmill operation, contralateral impact forces during gait, and baseline drift. Knowledge of performance characteristics and their effect on outcome data is crucial for effective design of CAREN research protocols and rehabilitation scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We produced continuing education material in physical rehabilitation using a variety of electronic media. We compared four methods of delivering the learning modules: in person with a computer projector, desktop videoconferencing, Web pages and CD-ROM. Health-care workers at eight community hospitals and two nursing homes were asked to participate in the project. A total of 394 questionnaires were received for all modalities: 73 for in-person sessions, 50 for desktop conferencing, 227 for Web pages and 44 for CD-ROM. This represents a 100% response rate from the in-person, desktop conferencing and CD-ROM groups; the response rate for the Web group is unknown, since the questionnaires were completed online. Almost all participants found the modules to be helpful in their work. The CD-ROM group gave significantly higher ratings than the Web page group, although all four learning modalities received high ratings. A combination of all four modalities would be required to provide the best possible learning opportunity.