The article was printed in the Stroke Association’s free quarterly publication “Stroke Matters“, and is a discussion of the potential benefits of using video games in stroke rehabilitation. Many thanks to the publication for giving me the opportunity to write an article for them and also for kindly allowing me to publish the article on my blog and SlideShare.

1. Video The cost of systems varies
depending on the technology
games in used. Expensive systems such as
those which use virtual reality
technology can cost over £10,000
stroke and may only be sutable in a
clinical setting. However,
rehabilitation emphasis is increasingly being
placed on creating viable home
rehabilitation by using off-the-shelf
James Burke, PhD Candidate technology such as low-cost
in Game Development for webcams or haptic joysticks.
Post-stroke Rehabilitation, Although large studies looking at
University of Ulster the effectiveness of such
technology solutions have yet to
In recent years, researchers be carried out in the UK it is likely
have started looking at the that we will see projects coming
potential benefits of using forward for health technology
video games in stroke assessment by UK agencies in the
rehabilitation. near future.
Technology and games can There have been many studies
offer a novel. safe and investigating the use of
ABOVE Games using low-cost technology have exciting potential for effective
customisable training environment home-based rehabilitation technology in stroke rehabilitation
which can maintain engagement therapy. A review of the field by
levels and boost patient cognitive impairments. Well- to accommodate a variety of player Cameirao et al1 confirms that
motivation. Systems typically designed games are also easily abilities. technology can have a positive
comprise rehabilitation gaming configured, allowing people with These systems are not designed effect on stroke rehabilitation, with
software with an input device varying degrees of impaired with the intention of replacing many studies showing improved
(e.g. joystick, motion-sensing movements to engage effectively traditional therapy; rather they are motor function recovery. There
camera. data-gloves, in the rehabilitation process. designed to be used in addition to have been few studies
electromagnetic sensors), an Good game design allows therapy. Therapists will still be investigating the use of video
output device (e.g. monitor. repetitive movements to be required to assess patients and games in stroke rehabilitation;
projector. head-mounted display) presented in a more challenging perhaps recommend particular however,feedback from initial
and a computer. In addition to and rewarding way than is possible games. Therapist involvement to studies has been positive -
custom-built systems, commercial with traditional therapy. For monitor progress and set new people with stroke do find these
gaming consoles such as the example, reach actions could challenges will also be necessary. rehabilitation games enjoyable
Nintendo Wii have also been used translate to a game where players Should such systems be available and motivational.2 _
in stroke rehabilitation studies. are required to touch one target in hospital stroke units, for
The games used in these object (of many objects) on the example, It might be possible that References
systems emphasise repetitive screen. To introduce an aspect of 1 Monca S Cameirao. Sergi Bermidez i
newly diagnosed stroke patients
Badia; Paul F. M. J. Verschure.Virtual Reality
movements similar to those challenge the target object could can engage in useful and Based Upper Extretremity Rehabilitation
performed in traditional therapy. be 'active' for only a few seconds stimulating therapy when their following Stroke: a Review. Joumal of
such as reach. grasp, manipulation before a new target is selected. therapists are working with other CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation, Vol 1 Issue 1,
Spring 2008
and release for upper-limb One of the advantages of this patients. There is also great interest 2 James W. Burke, Michael D. J. McNeill,
rehabilitation. These games are approach is that all the game in evaluating the technology for Darryl K. Charles, Philip J. Morrow, Jacqui H.
often simple and easy to play. This elements can be programmed to home use as this could lead to Crosbie, Suzanne M. McDonough,
is important since a person with change. For example, the size of 'Optimising engagement for stroke
patients being able to play
rehabilitation using serious games', The Visual
stroke may not have played a the objects and the length of time rehabilitation games outside of Computer, Vol 25,Issue 12. p1085-1099.
video game before or may have they stay 'active' can be changed their therapy sessions. ~2009