The co-design of hand rehabilitation exercises for multiple sclerosis using hand tracking system

Amy Webster*, Matthieu Poyade, Paul Rea, Lorna Paul

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) often affects motor function, leading to an adverse effect on daily living. Rehabilitation is important in terms of improving mobility and activities of daily living. Virtual environments (VE) are increasing in popularity within this research area, but research in terms of VE is still rare, for both the upper and lower limb, in people with MS. Leap Motion (LM), a hand motion tracking system, has demonstrated success in stroke research but has yet to be investigated within MS. Following a co-design approach, five participants with MS discussed in a focus group (FG) their hand mobility issues, their thoughts about this technology-based rehabilitation and motivational factors. Findings were incorporated into the design of a series of gamified upper limb rehabilitation exercises, using LM, on Unity Game Engine. Three participants returned and engaged in user testing session and a FG in order to evaluate and discuss their experience. Overall participants found the proposed technology-based exercises to be engaging, immersive and a desirable approach to rehabilitation. Participant feedback underlined the usefulness of co-creation, especially in accommodating the range of motivators and user preferences. However, the study highlighted the loss of tracking of hand movements with LM as one of the limitations. Participants stated they would be likely to use this approach at home if there was a definite rehabilitation benefit and related more to visualising which muscle groups or actions they were aiming to improve.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBiomedical Visualisation
EditorsPaul M. Rea
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages83-96
Number of pages14
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)9783030060701
ISBN (Print)9783030060695
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume1120
ISSN (Print)0065-2598
ISSN (Electronic)2214-8019

Keywords

  • co-design
  • hand motion tracking rehabilitation
  • leap motion
  • multiple sclerosis rehabilitation
  • virtual environments

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

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