A rhythm-based game for stroke rehabilitation

This paper describes the design and development of rhythm-based music game technology to support upper arm rehabilitation following a stroke. The potential benefit of game technology for patient rehabilitation is well established. However, there is a significant gap in research incorporating research into Rhythmic Auditory Cueing (RAC), the practice of synchronising rehabilitation movements with a periodic rhythm. This paper describes the design and development of a prototype game system which incorporates RAC, using music as the rhythmic stimulus. The system can cater for a range of impairments and provide metrics to monitor user performance and progress. The design and operation of the game system algorithms are discussed in detail, focusing on issues surrounding player interaction, rhythm synchronisation and the performance metrics gathered during game play.