Active Gaming Device for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Joystick

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the commonest cause of severe physical disability in childhood affecting 1 in 400 children. Difficulties with arm movement are common in children with CP. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy encourages children to use their arm in an appropriate manner but access to therapy is limited and children can get frustrated with uninteresting repetitive practice.

 

Gaming system in useOur multidisciplinary research group has been involved in developing technology to improve upper limb function in children with CP since 2006. A significant aspect of the development of this technology has involved evaluation and development of user engagement methodologies.

  • Development of computer technology to assist children with cerebral palsy to undertake arm exercises within their own home
  • Novel interactive Peer-Group Activity Movement Exercise (iP-GAME) System for Children with Cerebral Palsy

 

gameThe rehabilitation technology developed for these projects enables children to practice useful upper limb movements in an enjoyable game setting where the resulting exercise has potential therapeutic benefit. The software generates engaging computer games, controls the assistance provided by the mechanical interfaces and measures end point kinematics while the child is using the system. The challenges presented by the games, and the level of assistance given by the joystick are tailored to suit the needs of each child through the software.

Project has recieved funding from the NIHR New and Emerging Applications of Technology (NEAT) programme from the Department of Health under two separate grants.

 

Collaborators
Academic unit of Musculoskeletal Disease and Rehabilitation

Publications

Research Team
Prof. Martin Levesley
Prof. Bipinchandra Bhakta
Dr. Andrew Weightman
Mr. Nicholas Preston
Dr. Ray Holt
Prof. Mark Mon-williams
Mr. Justin Gallagher
Mr. Matthew Allsop

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