We introduce a methodology and grammar for the description and development of therapeutic gesture... more We introduce a methodology and grammar for the description and development of therapeutic gestures using a natural user interface (NUI) device such as the Microsoft Kinect and provide some implementation guidelines for developing therapeutic games using these gestures. Gesture recognition is a widely studied area and the Kinect SDK provides skeletal tracking to assist in pose determination. However, most gesture recognition systems assume a rather pristine gesture. Noise in the system is filtered, but the underlying gesture is fairly robust. For Physical Therapy (PT) performed for individuals with neuromotor deficits, gestures need to allow for a wider spectrum of possible motion paths. For instance, following a stroke that results in hemiparesis, individuals often display patterns of motor compensation, thus altering the trajectories of many motor movements. This has required a rethinking of how gestures are defined and the development of a more analytical and simplistic formulatio...
Here we discuss the development of a rehabilitation game that targets the upper extremity. Our ta... more Here we discuss the development of a rehabilitation game that targets the upper extremity. Our target is an in-home implementation of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CI Therapy), the current gold standard. Evidence based medicine supports the use of CI Therapy, but the widespread application of the treatment is hindered by the cost and accessibility as well as insurance reimbursement. The factors are driving the need for an affordable, accessible and effective alternative. Individuals with stroke and therapist stakeholders indicated that the following elements were required for effective "gamification" of CI therapy: intuitive game mechanics, proximal and distal motor practice, customization to the user, and the core components of CI therapy. These design considerations are present throughout every aspect of game design from scene selection through gameplay goals and gameplay mechanics. We discuss those decisions in game design including selection of game platform and...
We introduce a methodology and grammar for the description and development of therapeutic gesture... more We introduce a methodology and grammar for the description and development of therapeutic gestures using a natural user interface (NUI) device such as the Microsoft Kinect and provide some implementation guidelines for developing therapeutic games using these gestures. Gesture recognition is a widely studied area and the Kinect SDK provides skeletal tracking to assist in pose determination. However, most gesture recognition systems assume a rather pristine gesture. Noise in the system is filtered, but the underlying gesture is fairly robust. For Physical Therapy (PT) performed for individuals with neuromotor deficits, gestures need to allow for a wider spectrum of possible motion paths. For instance, following a stroke that results in hemiparesis, individuals often display patterns of motor compensation, thus altering the trajectories of many motor movements. This has required a rethinking of how gestures are defined and the development of a more analytical and simplistic formulatio...
Here we discuss the development of a rehabilitation game that targets the upper extremity. Our ta... more Here we discuss the development of a rehabilitation game that targets the upper extremity. Our target is an in-home implementation of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CI Therapy), the current gold standard. Evidence based medicine supports the use of CI Therapy, but the widespread application of the treatment is hindered by the cost and accessibility as well as insurance reimbursement. The factors are driving the need for an affordable, accessible and effective alternative. Individuals with stroke and therapist stakeholders indicated that the following elements were required for effective "gamification" of CI therapy: intuitive game mechanics, proximal and distal motor practice, customization to the user, and the core components of CI therapy. These design considerations are present throughout every aspect of game design from scene selection through gameplay goals and gameplay mechanics. We discuss those decisions in game design including selection of game platform and...
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