Effectiveness of Serious Games for Leap Motion on the Functionality of the Upper Limb in Parkinson’s Disease: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

The design and application of Serious Games (SG) based on the Leap Motion sensor are presented as a tool to support the rehabilitation therapies for upper limbs. Initially, the design principles and their implementation are described, focusing on improving both unilateral and bilateral manual dexterity and coordination. The design of the games has been supervised by specialized therapists. To assess the therapeutic effectiveness of the proposed system, a protocol of trials with Parkinson's patients has been defined. Evaluations of the physical condition of the participants in the study, at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, are carried out using standard tests. The specific measurements of each game give the therapist more detailed information about the patients' evolution after finishing the planned protocol. The obtained results support the fact that the set of developed video games can be combined to define different therapy protocols and that the information obtained is richer than the one obtained through current clinical metrics, serving as method of motor function assessment.

Effects of Virtual Reality Associated With Serious Games for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These ndings seemed to be more outstanding on the more affected side. Our results are in line with other studies that have employed LMC in neurological diseases [7,[28][29][30][31][32][33]. However, our results did not show improvements in physical and psychological well-being and fatigue perceived by the MS patients.…”

Effects of Virtual Reality Associated With Serious Games for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These findings seemed to be more outstanding on the more affected side. Our results are in line with other studies that have employed LMC in neurological diseases [7,[28][29][30][31][32][33]. However, our results did not show improvements in physical and psychological well-being and fatigue perceived by the MS patients.…”

The Impact of a Novel Immersive Virtual Reality Technology Associated with Serious Games in Parkinson’s Disease Patients on Upper Limb Rehabilitation: A Mixed Methods Intervention Study

“…It may serve as a worthy alternative to conventional approaches of PD physiotherapy treatment [5] by helping users to learn new motor strategies and relearn lost motor abilities. Additionally, VR technology can engage patients in long-term exercise programs, providing a challenging and motivating training environment while replicating real-life scenarios that facilitate the transition to the functional activities of daily living [8,9]. However, it remains unclear exactly how immersive VR technology can be optimally used in PD patients with impaired upper limb (UL) dexterity.…”