Video game-based therapy

A team of researchers, at the University of Missouri utilised a motion-sensor video game to allow patients recovering from a stroke to improve their motor skills and affected arm movements at home while checking in periodically with a therapist via tele-healt

The researchers found the game-based therapy led to health improvements while only requiring one-fifth of the therapist hours. This approach saves time and money while increasing convenience and safety as telehealth has boomed in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rehabilitation occurs during completing various challenges in a fun, interactive environment and patient compliance improved as well. The games involved the person being virtually placed in a kayak going down the river. They perform arm motions simulating paddling, rowing, scooping up trash, swaying from side to side to steer, and reaching overhead to clear out spider webs and bats, so it's making the exercises fun. The researchers and patients kept in touch tele-health calls to adjust goals, provide feedback and discuss the daily activities.