A Study of the Safety and Functionality of Gamified Electromyographic Biofeedback for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 17 million individuals worldwide. Traditionally, methods of therapy are repetitive and monotonous, generating immense difficulty in maintaining patient motivation and engagement. This project's objective was to provide a novel method of therapeutic intervention that was co-designed by therapists and had the capacity to increase patient motivation and enjoyment. The system developed incorporated the use of muscle activations retrieved from a bespoke surface electromyography subsystem, to control custom computer games to increase therapy uptake. The safety and functionality of this device was verified through a series of trials performed on adults without any muscular impairments. Furthermore, a feasibility evaluation was conducted whereby the system was demonstrated to a group of healthcare professionals to gain their feedback. The trial results confirmed the safety and functionality of the system, with professional therapists confirming its clinical potential and its perceived benefits.