Development of an interactive motivating tool for rehabilitation movements

In this paper, an interactive tool, including three computer games controlled via the center of foot pressure (COP) trajectory biofeedback, was designed to aid in pressure balance for rehabilitating persons with balance disorders. The games interact in real-time with the Vista Medical Force Sensitive Applications software and pressure mat. The main goal of this research was to employ attractive and motivational learning techniques, using equipment that is available to a large population, to increase volume of exercise practice and to retain the patient's attention. Questionnaires regarding the motivational aspects of the games were administered to 15 subjects (7 patients). The results indicate that the tools were indeed attractive, motivational and an improvement to conventional exercise regimes.