MovErArm: Virtual Reality Game for Physical Rehabilitation

Abstract

Post-stroke individuals may suffer from long term or permanent physical impairments. Physical Rehabilitation is an important process to help poststroke individuals to regain motor ability and reduce impairments. Traditional methods such as Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) are common effective physical rehabilitation methods however due to the characteristics of physical restraining, individuals tend to have compliance issues. This research explores using immersive technology such as Virtual Reality to reduce compliance issues and encourage individuals to use their affected arm. Techniques such as visual amplification and power-ups are implemented to further encourage the individuals to perform various activities using the affected arm. We have conducted preliminary feedback gathering with 6 participants aged between 18-21 with game development background, and a preliminary validation from an academic expert using a recorded video walkthrough. 1 out of 6 participants tested the game on a Virtual Reality (VR) device. Overall the VR game requires more visual improvements especially the User Interface (UI) design. Both VR game tester and academic expert agreed that using visual amplification with customizable settings can encourage individuals to use more of the affected arm. However it requires more testing from actual clinicians and stroke patients.