Video Games and Rehabilitation

Abstract

Patient nonadherence with therapy is a major barrier to rehabilitation. Recovery is often limited and requires prolonged, intensive rehabilitation that is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult. We review evidence for the potential use of video games in rehabilitation with respect to the behavioral, physiological, and motivational effects of gameplay. In this Special Interest article, we offer a method to evaluate effects of video game play on motor learning and their potential to increase patient engagement with therapy, particularly commercial games that can be interfaced with adapted control systems. We take the novel approach of integrating research across game design, motor learning, neurophysiology changes, and rehabilitation science to provide criteria by which therapists can assist patients in choosing games appropriate for rehabilitation. Research suggests that video games are beneficial for cognitive and motor skill learning in both rehabilitation science and experimental studies with healthy subjects. Physiological data suggest that gameplay can induce neuroplastic reorganization that leads to long-term retention and transfer of skill; however, more clinical research in this area is needed. There is interdisciplinary evidence suggesting that key factors in game design, including choice, reward, and goals, lead to increased motivation and engagement. We maintain that video game play could be an effective supplement to traditional therapy. Motion controllers can be used to practice rehabilitation-relevant movements, and well-designed game mechanics can augment patient engagement and motivation in rehabilitation. We recommend future research and development exploring rehabilitation-relevant motions to control games and increase time in therapy through gameplay.Video Abstract available (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A61) for more insights from the authors.

Using health games for rehabilitation of patients with infantile cerebral palsy

“…This treatment can also train arm movements within specific details. These games can encourage children to exercise because they become more motivated to perform the therapies12,13,14 ) . In addition, another advantage is that patients can perform exercises at home with less restrictions7, 9, 15, 16 ) .…”

“…Li et al12 ) showed that the video game exercise could engage participants’’ attention for a longer period than traditional and tracking exercises. Keith et al13 ) showed that integrating game into therapy can increase the time spent by patients in therapy. In addition, they suggest that through detailed research and development, video games might be a safe, cost-efficient, and effective supplement to conventional physical therapy.…”

Motivating Rehabilitation Through Competitive Gaming

“…The authors maintain that video game play could be an effective supplement to traditional therapy. Motion controllers can be used to practice rehabilitation-relevant movements, and well-designed game mechanics can augment patient engagement and motivation in rehabilitation [ 23 ].…”

Video-game-assisted physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises for idiopathic scoliosis: case series and introduction of a new tool to increase motivation and precision of exercise performance

“…Exergames are defined as virtual reality video games that provide physical exercise, and have been described and validated as useful tools in neurologic rehabilitation [9–11] and in the treatment of overweight children [12, 13], among others. However, we could find no comparable reports analyzing exergames in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.…”

“…This Physiogame, developed by the IT department of the FH JOANNEUM, University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria, for this study, combines PSSE with a shooting game [9]. The 3D positions of the trunk and extremity are individually adjusted to the corrective posture desired; the game only continues when the posture is correct.…”