Experimental verification of contents usability for upper limbs rehabilitation in patients with hemiplegia

Abstract

Patients with hemiplegia with upper limb impairment have difficulties in performing coordinated bimanual movement of hands and activities of daily living (ADL) due to reduced performance in functional movements. This study developed a serious game for upper limb rehabilitation training using a balance handle specifically designed for patients with hemiplegia. Most current serious games designed for healthy people constitute difficulties for hemiplegia patients to use. For this reason, the simple game interface adapted to accommodate patient disabilities and the content tailored to the needs of these patients are warranted to provide gaming environments according to each patient’s condition. Therefore, this study designed the tailored content that offers an environment appropriate for each patient by evaluating range of motion (inclination of a balance handle) of hemiplegia patients, movement speed and others. This game content is designed based on extension, flexion and movement assessment guidelines for the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and measures muscle activities of triceps, biceps and deltoid muscles which demonstrate changes in upper limb motor function while performing the content. The experiment results revealed that triceps, biceps and deltoid muscles were activated. This content is expected to be utilized for rehabilitation purposes in hemiplegia patients with upper limb impairment.