Human computer confluence in rehabilitation: Digital media plasticity and human performance plasticity

Abstract

Digital media plasticity evocative to embodied interaction is presented as a utilitarian tool when mixed and matched to target human performance potentials specific to nuance of development for those with impairment. A distinct intervention strategy trains via alternative channeling of external stimuli that bypasses desensitized/dysfunctional sensory pathways to close the afferent/efferent loop. Designing method and apparatus to optimize participant motivation is core of the emergent model. Accessible play, fun, and creativity are central as user experiences, rather than traditional therapeutic approaches promoting mindsets and activities commonly considered enduring, mundane and boring. The concept focuses on sensor-based interfaces mapped to control tailored-content that acts as direct and immediate feedbacks mirroring input. These flexible, adaptive, and 'plastic' options offer facilitators new tool-kits for individualized interventions to supplement traditional approaches and strategies. Conclusions point to how required informal/non-formal training of such plastic approaches requires formal accreditation to realize potentials and adoptions. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.