The positive impact of game-based virtual rehab in stroke has again been highlighted through research.
Virtual means of rehabilitation are growing in their use in stroke, and saw particularly significant adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the innovation of game-based rehab, traditional rehabilitation practices are being redefined in a way that is more accessible and cost-effective for patients, while gamification adds greater levels of engagement.
New research has again highlighted its important role in improving motor skills and affected movements at home, while being monitored by a therapist via telehealth.
The University of Missouri researchers found the game-based therapy led to improved outcomes similar to a highly regarded form of in-person therapy, known as constraint-induced therapy, while only requiring one-fifth of the therapist hours.
“As an occupational therapist, I have seen patients from rural areas drive more than an hour to come to an in-person clinic three to four days a week, where the rehab is very intensive, taking three to four hours per session, and the therapist must be there the whole time,” said Dr Rachel Proffitt, assistant professor in the MU School of Health Professions.
“With this new at-home gaming approach, we are cutting costs for the patient and reducing time for the therapist while still improving convenience and overall health outcomes, so it’s a win-win.
“By saving time for the therapists, we can also now serve more patients and make a broader impact on our communities.”
A number of technologies currently exist for remote stroke rehab, including Evolv Rehab, which has been pioneering remote digital rehab solutions since 2011.
Using a programme called Recovery Rapids in the research, developed by Biodex, the University of Missouri team found that patients looked forward to rehabilitation by completing various challenges in a fun, interactive environment. The researchers found that the patients adhered well to their prescribed exercises.
”The patient is virtually placed in a kayak, and as they go down the river, they perform arm motions simulating paddling, rowing, scooping up trash, swaying from side to side to steer, and reaching overhead to clear out spider webs and bats, so it’s making the exercises fun,” said Dr Proffitt.
“As they progress, the challenges get harder, and we conduct check-ins with the participants via telehealth to adjust goals, provide feedback and discuss the daily activities they want to resume as they improve.”
With an estimated 13.7million people potentially having a stroke this year, and two-thirds of stroke survivors reporting they cannot use their affected limbs to do normal daily activities, including making a cup of coffee, cooking a meal or playing with one’s grandchildren, Dr Proffitt highlights the impact of rehab in any form.
“I am passionate about helping patients get back to all the activities they love to do in their daily life,” Dr Proffitt said.
“Anything we can do as therapists to help in a creative way while saving time and money is the ultimate goal.”
