Improving patient motivation in game development for motor deficit rehabilitation

Abstract

It has been stated repeatedly that active participation in rehabilitation programs increases the benefit and effectiveness of therapy. In developing robotic devices for stroke rehabilitation, the existing use of boring task interfaces produces a significant reduction in elderly patient motivation. To combine robot-aided therapy with appealing games, then, is not only a matter of creating entertainment, but a real necessity for motor recovery. Besides emphasizing a lack of attention to elderly patients in conceiving games for post-stroke rehabilitation, this paper launches a challenge to two fields with tremendous collaborative potential. As a precursor to this collaboration, the following research consolidates the gaming scenario criteria for both rehabilitation and elderly entertainment. Conclusions are then formed from the adaptability of existing games to identify the direction of future game development.