Utilizing Video Games For Recovery of Stroke Victims

Utilizing Video Games For Recovery of Stroke Victims

By Shinji Tutoru

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY & LIMBS ALIVE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE IN THE NORTH-EAST OF ENGLAND. Enter Circus Challenge is a video game developed by New Castle University that will help the brain of stroke patients to relearn how to move and control a weakened limb. This is also more economical since it will minimize the expenses for the utilization of therapists.

Unfortunately, 80% of stroke victims are not able to fully recover the functionalities of their arms and hands. This is a very sad reality since it can limit their productivity and can even lead to the inability to return to work and earn a living.

Janet Eyre is a Pediatric Neuroscience professor at New Castle University who helped established Limbs Alive which is an in-home therapy for stroke victims. The video game was developed to help patients to regain the functionality of their arms and hands. Recovering from hemiplegia for all ages is one of the goals of this innovation.

Wireless controllers are used by patients in learning a number of circus-related skills. They are required to tame lions, do trapeze stunts, juggling and even high diving. As they level up, they are confronted with more challenging quests that require more skills, coordination and strength. The therapy goal is actually not felt by the patients since they are more engrossed with the competition, quests and their characters.

Patients who already tried the game claimed that playing the video game is a better alternative than doing the typical and dull therapeutic routines. The game challenges and motivates them in going beyond their physical limitations. It is a good push for them. Also, it can be used as a bonding moment with their grandchildren. This absolutely makes the recovery process less stressful and more enjoyable.

The video game was designed to allow players from different levels to compete with each other. Future plans include the telemonitoring of therapists so that they can remotely monitor the progress of their patients. This will also help them in customizing the additional therapy that a patient may need for his or her full recovery.

Invention Enter Circus Challenge
Organization Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne In The North-East Of England
Researcher Janet Eyre and Newcastle University Neuroscientists
Field(s) Neuroscience, Gaming, Physical Therapy, Stroke Recovery
Further Information CNET

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