Computer Game-based Exercise Program Targeting Manual Dexterity for People With Spinal Cord Injury or Stroke.

Recovery programs of the upper extremity can be extensive, for many adults with neurological disorders/injuries, including maintenance exercises that need to be done continually to maintain function and to prevent secondary disabilities. However increasing demands and shrinking funds are making it harder to meet the rehabilitation needs of Manitobans and Canadians with chronic disabilities. There is a need for innovation to improve the accessibility and engagement of rehabilitation programs for adults with upper extremity (UE) motor impairments due to spinal cord and acquired brain injuries. The purpose of this research proposal is the further development and validation of a multipurpose plug-n-play rehab gaming system for use in community centers, in particular, at First Step Wellness center. It's no sleight of hand our gaming system provides a basis for repetitive, task-specific therapy focused on manual dexterity; object handling and manipulation for adults with spinal cord and acquired brain injuries. It was designed to transition engaging, highly effective and personalized rehabilitation programs to function in community centers , and with automated monitoring (tele monitoring), which to manage and progress outreach programs. The gaming system consist of hardware and software components the hardware includes a low-cost, portable smart exercise manipulanduu device (EMD), with assistive technology. The EMD is designed as a HID compliant plug-n-play computer input device that emulates a standard optical computer mouse. Therefore these devices can be used with most any common/ modern computer video game that function by mouse control. Inclusion of "fun" gaming elements is intended to provide extra motivation for the patients in the form of a challenge and a more enjoyable means of encouraging them to follow tedious, repetitive movements that are often a part of the rehabilitation process. Therapeutic value can be derived from both the types of object manipulation