Serious games: Are they part of the solution in the domain of cognitive rehabilitation?

Abstract

Serious Games are in increasing use for serious purposes, such as health. Particularly in the field of cognitive rehabilitation, they can offer new solutions that are fun, user-friendly and goal-directed. In this study, a prototype rehabilitation platform is presented, aimed at intervening in executive functioning and other related cognitive functions in patients with Acquired Brain Injury. It was tested in three studies investigating patients' satisfaction and performance in a virtual environment using 2D computer-screen or 3D projection-screen approaches, and patients' satisfaction with the virtual reality (VR) program regarding its usability and role in motivation to participate in the rehabilitation process. Contributing to the final version of the program, results in our pilot-studies are promising, supporting the usability of the VR program and showing its relevance in subjects' motivation to participate in the rehabilitation process. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.