Working alliance and virtual motor rehabilitation in Parkinson patients

Abstract

Patients that suffer from Parkinson Disease (PD) have different symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and slowness in the execution of first movements and absence of balance control. This paper introduces the concept of wording alliance within a virtual rehabilitation system for Parkinson Disease (PD) patients. On one hand, the use of serious games increases the rehabilitation process in PD patients against traditional rehabilitation. On the other hand, this virtual environment encourages the links of confidence between therapist and patient, creating a stronger Working Alliance, which is vital in the patient rehabilitation process. This work in progress has been designed to examine both the working alliance during the virtual rehabilitation process, as well as the results obtained by patients as the clinical study goes on.