Gamification in Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Stroke rehabilitation aims to improve patients' abilities to realize daily life activities and, consequently, regain their self-confidence and improve independence and quality of life. Gamification can be defined as the application of game-design elements, dynamics, and principles such as competition, narratives, point-scoring, and awards in non-game contexts, including rehabilitation. It has emerged as a therapeutic alternative or complement to traditional rehabilitation to make motor practice more intense and increase a person's motivation, interest, and satisfaction by bringing meaningful and intrinsically motivational playful experiences. Compared to the same amount of conventional therapy, gamification can increase the number of movements and involve safe and intensive rehabilitation exercises, essential for a successful rehabilitation process.