Computer-Based Gamified Tools for Facial Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Facial paralysis (FP) and other facial disorders present challenges in patient engagement during repetitive motor rehabilitation exercises.
• Gamified tools (GTs) are emerging as potential solutions to enhance motivation and stimulation in patients undergoing facial rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive review of gamified tools used in facial rehabilitation.
• To investigate the potential of computer-based tools to motivate facial mimic exercises for patients with facial disorders.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed on May 22, 2024, across five major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, MEDLINE/PubMed).
• 1043 articles were identified, with 15 selected for analysis, focusing on patients with facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, stroke-related paralysis, orofacial apraxia, and cerebral palsy.

Main Results:

• The reviewed studies primarily focused on patients recovering from facial paralysis, utilizing gamified tools for exercises like eye blinking, smiling, and eyebrow raising.
• Despite advancements, the reviewed computer-based tools for facial rehabilitation have not yet achieved the maturity required for widespread clinical implementation.

Conclusions:

• Gamified tools offer a promising avenue for improving engagement in facial rehabilitation, particularly for conditions like facial paralysis.
• Further research and development are crucial to overcome current limitations and translate these digital health innovations into effective clinical practice for facial motor rehabilitation.