Computer game motivating rehabilitation with objective measures of improvement in motor function

Author

Leder, Ron S. ; Murillo, Narda ; Ibarra, Carlos Pimentel ; Gushiken, Hizoroku Campos ; Anaya, Guillermo Mondragon ; Escalona, Cesar Olivera ; Nunez, I.S. ; Alvarez, Armantlo Gomez ; Tyler, Mitchell E. ; Bach-y-Rita, Paul

Author_Institution

CIICAp, Univ. del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico

Volume

2

fYear

2001

fDate

2001

Firstpage

1388

Abstract

We constructed and interfaced an actuator/sensor to a game of pong to produce highly motivating rehabilitation for persons with arms partially paralyzed from a stroke. In addition to moving the pong paddle the subject´s motions can be recorded to provide objective measures of improvement in movement range, accuracy, and dynamics. A preliminary patient study revealed a high level of patient interest and satisfaction. Even patients who had no familiarity with computers (the prototype is connected to a computer) and approached the system with trepidation, were soon interested and involved. One hemiparetic aged man initially refused to use the system because he did not think his arm could perform the task, but after a short session in which he performed well, he asked if he could take it home. Patients get very involved and show a high level of concentration.

Keywords

biomechanics; computer games; handicapped aids; patient rehabilitation; actuator; computer game motivating rehabilitation; hemiparetic aged man; high concentration levels; motor function improvement; movement accuracy; movement dynamics; movement range; objective measures; partially paralyzed arms; patient interest; patient satisfaction; pong paddle movement; sensor; stroke patients; Arm; Biomedical computing; Biomedical engineering; Biomedical measurements; Computer interfaces; Costs; Electric variables measurement; Iris; Prototypes; Sensor arrays;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2001. Proceedings of the 23rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE

ISSN

1094-687X

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7211-5

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/IEMBS.2001.1020459

Filename

1020459