Development of Recovery Rapids - A game for cost effective stroke therapy

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 interface devices, content generation, and game mechanics. We report on feedback regarding feasibility and acceptance and preliminary evidence of treatment efficacy. General Terms Design.