Scientists studying if Nintendo Wii technology can help stroke patients
Washington, September 16 : A team of British researchers is planning to assess whether
motion sensors similar to those developed for video games like Nintendo Wii can help
stroke patients relearn simple tasks.
The Oxford University team want to determine if such technology can be used to monitor
improvements in upper body movements in patients undergoing physiotherapy.
The researchers hope that it will allow patients to see their progress, and motivate
them to keep exercising.
Clinical trials of the equipment are being planned, they say.
The researchers believe that the motion sensors may enable physiotherapists to assess
the range of movement a patient has, and help them tailor exercises accordingly.
Since people are often faced with a lack of motivation to continue with their
exercises, according to the researchers, this exciting stuff is worth exploring.
The makers of the new technology have revealed that they based their work on a previous
study in which the walking pattern in children affected with cerebral palsy were
analysed.
They have utilised the same motion-sensing technology that records the movements of
actors for computer-generated films such as Beowulf.
They use a total of 12 infrared cameras to track the movement of reflective markers
stuck to a person's wrist, arm and torso in real time.
Research leader Dr Penny Probert Smith said that though motivate stroke patients could
be hard, the early days were vital.
"At first we're using a multi-camera system in the lab which will help us look at
before and after the exercises and how much they use particular joints. We hope to break
down useful movements - anything from handling money to tying shoelaces - into different
elements that can be quantified and then assessed against standardised measures based on
current clinical tests," the BBC quoted Smith as saying.
The researchers said that their aim was to develop a version of the technology that
could be used by stroke patients at home, monitored by doctors remotely, and get feedback
on how they are doing.
They said that they planned to test such a system within a year.
Patients usually stop doing their daily exercises because they cannot see the small
improvements they are making.
Professor Marion Walker, an expert in stroke rehabilitation at the University of
Nottingham, calls it a "crucial problem".
"People do have problems with motivation to continue with their exercises so this is
exciting stuff and worth exploring. Patients respond well to technology but the equipment
needs to be low cost and easy to use so it's not just a gimmick," Walker said.
--ANI
