“NeuroRehab + The “Fun” Factor” by Fukamoto
Description:
The rehabilitation process for neurological trauma has traditionally relied on physical therapy that involves repetitive exercises. While this approach is effective, the process can become monotonous for patients and labor-intensive for therapists. Recent advances in robotics and game consoles have alleviated these issues, but they are generally limited to specific motor skills.
This paper focuses on a deficit known as the foot-drop and explores how the “fun” factor can be effectively incorporated into its rehabilitation. Integration of game play can give patients a “fun” incentive to perform exercises that are by medical necessity arduous and repetitive. The ultimate goal is not to replace current rehabilitation programs, but to encourage the neurologically impaired to persevere in therapy.
