Augmented reality(AR)and fracture mapping model on middle-aged femoral neck fracture:A proof-of-concept towards interactive visualization

A thorough understanding of the fracture characteristics can assist the decision-making process for surgery.This study aimed to characterize the femoral neck fractures among middle-aged patients and illustrated a biomedical visualization method using a fracture mapping model and augmented reality.We collected plain radiography and computed tomography(CT)data from 156 adult patients with a femoral neck fracture.The descriptive study showed that Type I and Type II fractures accounted for 8(5%)and 64(41%)cases.In comparison,Type IV fractures accounted for 44(28%)and 40(25%)cases according to the Garden classification.Comminuted fractures and cortical defects were identified in 14.74%and 29.49%of the cases.A fracture mapping model was reconstructed based on the CT data and demonstrated the location and distribution of the major fracture lines surrounding the head-neck junction.We also illustrated the application of augmented reality technology to visualize and interact with the patient-specific fracture model and the fracture mapping model that facilitated education,training,and surgical planning.Future studies may consider mapping other biomechanical data,such as joint loading and stress distribution,and exploring artificial intelligence via deep reinforcement learning for computer-aided fracture reduction and procedure planning.

Virtual reality based multiple life skill training for intellectual disability:A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Life skill-based training is essential for intellectual disabled individuals to regain autonomy and social inclusion.Virtual reality(VR)could deliver a nascent application that is more engaging and secure.The objective of this study was to evaluate the training effects of the VR-based multiple life skill training program on life skill perfor-mance,self-efficacy,memory,cognitive and behavioral functions via a multicenter randomized controlled trial.A total of 145 intellectual disabled participants were recruited for a randomized controlled trial with three in-tervention arms:VR(n=42);traditional(n=53);and control(n=50).The life skill tasks for the interventions included 1)grocery shopping,2)cooking,and 3)kitchen cleaning.Outcome measures were performance scores for the three tasks,self-efficacy scale,digit span score,and Frontal Assessment Battery score,graded by blinded assessors.Before-after effects of each group were evaluated using separated Wilcoxon Signed-rank tests.VR sig-nificantly improved cooking,cleaning performance,and memory span,while traditional training significantly improved shopping,cooking,and cleaning tasks.The generalized estimating equation evaluated effects between groups adjusted for age,gender and intelligence quotient(IQ).VR had significantly larger improvement effects in cooking and cleaning than the control group and memory span compared to traditional training and controls groups.IQ appeared to be a significant confounder on the training effect.Future work may consider developing artificial intelligence to customize programs depending on IQ level.