Home-based stroke rehabilitation using computer gaming

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a case series of home-based bilateral upper limb rehabilitation using a motion-based computer game controller. Three individuals with chronic stroke and upper limb hemiparesis, who had previously participated in the initial trial of the system, continued rehabilitation for between 55 and 61 days at home, as recorded by diaries of use. Each participant was tested pre- and post-intervention using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and post-intervention, by the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). Body function outcome measures were the Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA) and the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS). Although motor performance change was inconclusive, motivation assessment showed a trend of positive engagement, and the participants practiced unsupervised for 4.5 to 5.5 sessions per week over the duration of the trial, each achieving at least 33.5 hours of exercise.