Task-specific rehabilitation of finger-hand function using interactive computer gaming

Abstract

The present case study assessed the feasibility of using an interactive gaming system, coupled with the manipulation of common objects, as a form of repetitive, task-specific movement therapy. Three adults with moderate chronic motor impairments of the fingers and hand participated: one 36-year-old man with an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury, one 60-year-old man with a left cortical cerebro-vascular accident, and one 38-year-old woman with left hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Each subject received an intervention of 15 one-hour sessions, which consisted solely of interactive exercise gaming using a diverse range of objects. The objects provided graded and challenging training levels, which emulated the functional properties of objects used in daily life. This in turn produced positive effects on the recovery of active finger range of motion and hand function.