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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
Use of computer games as an intervention for stroke
Rachel M Proffitt1, Gazihan Alankus, Caitlin L Kelleher
1Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
|September 15, 2011
Summary
Computer games offer a feasible home therapy for stroke survivors, enhancing upper extremity function and daily activities through engaging, high-repetition exercises. This approach shows promise for improving motor skills and independence post-stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Motor Learning
Background:
- Stroke rehabilitation emphasizes high repetitions for motor learning.
- Computer games offer motivational engagement for repetitive therapeutic tasks.
- Home-based interventions are crucial for sustained recovery.
Observation:
- A 6-week home therapy intervention utilized customized computer games for a stroke survivor with hemiparesis.
- Participant's performance, range of motion, and compensatory movements were tracked.
- Standardized measures and the Reaching Performance Scale (RPS) assessed upper extremity function.
Findings:
- Early improvements (3 weeks) included increased shoulder range of motion and reduced trunk compensation.
- Significant functional gains in activities of daily living (ADLs) were observed after 6 weeks.
- While RPS scores did not improve further, overall functional outcomes were positive.
Implications:
- Computer games present a viable and engaging tool for home-based stroke rehabilitation.
- This intervention demonstrates potential for improving functional independence in individuals with hemiparesis.
- Further research is warranted to quantify the efficacy of game-based therapy for stroke recovery.
