Augmented visual feedback after stroke: a creative arts-in-health feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Arts in Health
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience impaired movement and sensory feedback, impacting rehabilitation.
• Low motivation and engagement are significant barriers to recovery in stroke patients.
• The Proximity program integrated theatrical effects to provide augmented visual feedback for stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of the Proximity program.
• To explore potential benefits of augmented visual feedback in stroke rehabilitation.
• To assess the impact of a novel arts-in-health intervention on patient engagement.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory feasibility study involving 12 stroke and brain injury survivors.
• A mixed-methods, participatory action approach incorporating feasibility data and interviews.
• Utilized interpretive phenomenological analysis and real-time screen displays with special effects.

Main Results:

• Eleven participants reported benefits, corroborated by clinical observations.
• Augmented feedback allowed participants to self-monitor and adjust movements, enhancing agency.
• The program fostered an environment of creative exploration, increasing enjoyment and curiosity.

Conclusions:

• The Proximity clinical arts-in-health program shows promise for stroke rehabilitation.
• Further investigation with simplified equipment is warranted.
• The study highlights the potential of arts-in-health interventions in clinical settings.