This story is from July 1, 2012

Can a juggler beat a physio?

Yolande D’Mello / TNN / Updated: Jul 1, 2012, 14:34 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

A video game that will be available by the end of the year makes stroke patients play the roles of juggler and trapeze artist to help them regain control over their weak limbs.

A video game that will be available by the end of the year makes stroke patients play the roles of juggler and trapeze artist to help them regain control over their weak limbs.
What if someone told you that a juggler can take the place of a physiotherapist? Janet Eyre, professor of paediatric neuroscience at Newcastle University, UK, has moved the physio clinic into a circus tent.Limbs Alive, a video game she created, uses circus characters to help stroke patients regain control of their limbs.
“The brain can re-learn control of a weak arm, but usually, the process needs sustained therapy over several months, with a therapist providing one-on-one assistance. But that’s not always feasible,” says Eyre in a telephonic interview.
A stroke is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in blood supply. Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, confusion, vision problems, difficulty in walking and coordination. After recovery, the patient needs to undergo therapy to regain his strength. Eyre’s circus-themed video game uses wireless controllers that the patient holds in his fists, while the characters on screen mimic his movements. Gameplay involves taming a lion, juggling, plate spinning, high diving and flying the trapeze. Games cover gross and fine motor skills and get more difficult with each level. “Patients who have tried the game find it easy to use, challenging and fun. It can be easily set up and played at home since it’s designed by a professional gaming studio. Patients forget they are at therapy,” shares Eyre.

Each player is scored on his performance, and a mathematical graph representation of his movements is recorded, enabling a therapist to review his progress. With support from the Health Innovation Challenge Fund, the game will be available for purchase by the end of this year.
India figures According to estimates from the National Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, India, there will be 1.67 million stroke cases in the country by 2015.

End of Article