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INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE
ISSUE 84 APRIL/MAY 2012 £6.95
Wii technology inspires stroke rehab device By Helen Williams INSPIRED by Nintendo Wii, researchers at Brunel University in London have developed a new prototype technology to improve rehabilitation programmes for stroke survivors. ReWiiRe is a custom-made programme which can be operated on any computer and tailored to individual need. It is designed to support stroke survivors to continue their rehabilitation in their own homes. One of the biggest barriers stroke survivors face is keeping motivated to continue rehabilitation exercises outside of the clinical setting. When using ReWiiRe, patients can check to see that they are performing the exercises in the right way, can see how they are progressing, and can stay motivated by playing games.
Dr. Cherry Kilbride, lecturer in physiotherapy at Brunel University, said: “Following a stroke the brain needs to be retrained. It is therefore very important to a stroke survivor to have direct visual feedback as they start to regain mobility." When using the ReWiiRe prototype patients are able to see the activity performed on the screen by an avatar, then map their own movements on top. Patients can see exactly how they are performing against their targets, and tests of the prototype have shown that when they focus on the screen they can reach further and for longer. The software includes simple games designed to improve mobility and challenge the patients in a fun and engaging way. One of the activities developed so far is an air-hockey game.
The first stage of the research assessed the potential for Wii technology in stroke rehabilitation by trialling the standard console with NHS patients.
Ultimately the idea is that ReWiiRe will allow therapists to monitor the performance of their patients remotely, checking up on progress and updating exercises when they are ready.
These findings showed that while patients were keen to use technology like this to support their rehabilitation at home, the configuration of standard Wii games was too complex which limited the benefits.
As well as freeing up therapists’ time to allow them to work with more patients for longer, having this remote rehabilitation support will also help those who may struggle to travel to their nearest clinic.
Replica ranges of the team kit to be worn by British athletes at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games go on sale this month. Designed by British designer Stella McCartney, the Adidas kit – over two years in the making – made its debut at the Tower of London in March when it was modelled by more than 30 athletes including Jessica Ennis (pictured above), Phillips Idowu and Ellie Simmonds.