Development of digital ukulele and mobile rehabilitation contents for enhanced therapeutic instrumental music performance (TIMP)

Ukulele is one of the popular string instruments with great portability and easy accessibility, which has a potential to be used in therapeutic instrumental music performance (TIMP) for patients with upper limb and finger movement disorder. In this study, we developed a prototype of a digital ukulele in conjunction with mobile rehabilitation contents. The Arduino system embedded in the 3D-printed instrument body not only convert the finger movement into sound playback but also provide the real-time guide for proper finger position for easy but accurate performance. The developed digital ukulele combined with mobile rehabilitation contents verified its usefulness to better rehabilitative training with its support for easy play and automated and immediate scoring feedback. It is expected to enhance the TIMP by providing more immersive experience with increased feeling of hand control and musical achievements.