The Co-Design of Hand Rehabilitation Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis using Leap Motion Hand Tracking System

Webster, A., Poyade, M., Rea, P. and Paul, L. (2018) The Co-Design of Hand Rehabilitation Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis using Leap Motion Hand Tracking System. 2nd Visualisation in Science Conference 2018, Glasgow, UK, 03 Dec 2018.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) often affects motor function and can have a devastating impact on daily living. Rehabilitation is one of the main management strategies to regain and maintain function but traditional methods in MS rehabilitation are often inaccessible, expensive and non-motivational. Virtual environments are increasing in popularity within rehabilitation research, but are rare regarding the upper limb in MS. Leap Motion (LM), a hand motion tracker, has demonstrated success in stroke research but has yet to be investigated within MS. Using a co-design method, five participants with MS discussed in a focus group their hand mobility issues, opinions of this technology and motivational factors. These results were incorporated into the game design with four upper limb rehabilitation exercises created using the gaming engine Unity, offering different hand activities using LM. Three participants returned to evaluate the developed exercises and overall, participants found them 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 problems with LM often losing tracking of hand movements when interacting with the virtual environment. Participants stated they would use this approach at home if there were definite rehabilitation benefits and related more to visualising which muscle groups they were aiming to improve, which also could be incorporated into a physiotherapy regime for potential continued use. Future research should focus further refinement of the LM activities and on the long-term adherence and effectiveness of this technique.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Webster, Ms Amy and Poyade, Mr Matthieu and Paul, Dr Lorna and Rea, Professor Paul
• Authors: Webster, A., Poyade, M., Rea, P., and Paul, L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care

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