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Here's today's feel-good story:
Having a stroke can inhibit a person's ability to have feeling in their arm, or have unexpected weakness and reduced movement.
While traditional rehab can be time-consuming, expensive, and tough to travel to, a team of researchers at the University of Missouri have utilized motion-sensing technology to develop Recovery Rapids, a video game that helps stroke victims recover.
“As an occupational therapist, I have seen patients from rural areas drive more than an hour to come to an in-person clinic three to four days a week, where the rehab is very intensive, taking three to four hours per session, and the therapist must be there the whole time,” said assistant professor in the MU School of Health Professions, Rachel Proffitt.
“With this new at-home gaming approach, we are cutting costs for the patient and reducing time for the therapist while still improving convenience and overall health outcomes, so it’s a win-win. By saving time for the therapists, we can also now serve more patients and make a broader impact on our communities.”