Increasing motivation, effort and performance through game-based rehabilitation for upper limb myoelectric prosthesis control

Rehabilitation concepts for upper limb amputees traditionally rely on the execution of repetitive movements. Video game-based therapies are a stimulating way to increase patient motivation, effort and performance during those otherwise monotonous neuromuscular exercises. Myoelectric signals needed to control an upper limb prosthesis are intuitively trained and the patient benefits from increased prosthesis usability. In this study, a clinically feasible and entertaining virtual rehabilitation intervention has been developed and evaluated for short-term improvement of EMG control and engaging gameplay elements. Seven upper limb amputees completed the three assessment sessions and the video game intervention. Results show an improvement in overall EMG control, fine muscle activation and electrode separation. Patients report that racing games seem to be slightly superior regarding the fun factor, but rhythm games provide a more challenging EMG control option.