title: Gravity-supported exercise with computer gaming improves arm function in chronic stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of 4 to 6 weeks of exergaming with a computer mouse embedded within an arm skate on upper limb function in survivors of chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention study with a 4-week postintervention follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  In home.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survivors (N=13) of chronic (≥6 mo) stroke with hemiparesis of the upper limb with stable baseline Fugl-Meyer assessment scores received the intervention. One participant withdrew, and 2 participants were not reassessed at the 4-week follow-up. No participants withdrew as a result of adverse effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four to 6 weeks of exergaming using the arm skate where participants received either 9 (n=5) or 16 (n=7) hours of game play.
  
  
  METHODS
  Upper limb component of the Fugl-Meyer assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was an average increase in the Fugl-Meyer upper limb assessment score from the beginning to end of the intervention of 4.9 points. At the end of the 4-week period after the intervention, the increase was 4.4 points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A 4- to 6-week intervention using the arm skate significantly improved arm function in survivors of chronic stroke by an average of 4.9 Fugl-Meyer upper limb assessment points. This research shows that a larger-scale randomized trial of this device is warranted and highlights the potential value of using virtual reality technology (eg, computer games) in a rehabilitation setting.
authors.affiliation: Medical Device Technology, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: kimberlee.jordan@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz.
authors.forename: Kimberlee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.affiliation: Burwood Academy of Independent Living, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sampson
authors.affiliation: Medical Device Technology, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003201:Computers; D004550:Elbow / Q000503:physiopathology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006112:Gravitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care; D012782:Shoulder / Q000503:physiopathology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games
keywords: Rehabilitation; Stroke; Upper extremity