A new study has found that home video games may assist stroke victims in rehabilitating their weakened limbs, potentially reducing the need for physical therapy clinic visits.
Lin Gauthier from the University of Massachusetts stated that the game "Recovery Rapids," which he developed, is designed specifically for stroke patients. For example, when players paddle in the river and avoid rocks, it necessitates the use of the arm affected by the stroke, and while playing cards, they must utilize the injured fingers.
According to the "Verywell Health" website, the research team tracked 167 patients at the physical therapy stage after their strokes. The patients were divided into four groups for three weeks.
- The first group (self-play games) received 5 hours of traditional physical therapy focused on behavioral changes, in addition to playing the game at home independently.
- The second group (remote games) got 5 hours of behavioral therapy and home games, along with telehealth visits focusing on behavior.
- The third group (traditional care) received 5 hours of conventional physical rehabilitation focusing on motor skills.
- The fourth group (constraint) underwent 35 hours of constraint-induced movement therapy, which traditionally involves restricting the unaffected limb to force the patient to use the affected one.
### Results
The researchers found that both the self-play games group and the remote games group made meaningful gains in motor activity in their arms. In fact, they performed better than those observed in the traditional care group. The remote games group achieved gains similar to those in the constraint group; however, the self-play games were not as effective as the constraint-based therapy.
After six months, most patients appeared to have retained the gains made during therapy. The study concluded that this game functions in integration with physical therapists to improve rehabilitation outcomes while reducing visits to the physical therapy clinic. Gauthier stated, "The patient was the driver of their therapy, independently participating in motor practice through technology, and then meeting regularly with the therapist, who acted more like a coach."
