title: "FIND Technology": investigating the feasibility, efficacy and safety of controller-free interactive digital rehabilitation technology in an inpatient stroke population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stroke results in significant disability, which can be reduced by physical rehabilitation. High levels of repetition and activity are required in rehabilitation, but patients are typically sedentary. Using clinically relevant and fun computer games may be one way to achieve increased activity in rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of novel stroke-specific rehabilitation software. This software uses controller-free client interaction and inertial motion sensors. Elements of feasibility include recruitment into the trial, ongoing participation (adherence and dropout), perceived benefit, enjoyment and ease of use of the games. Efficacy will be determined by measuring activity and using upper-limb tasks as well as measures of balance and mobility. The hypothesis that the intervention group will have increased levels of physical activity within rehabilitation and improved physical outcomes compared with the control group will be tested.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from this study will provide a basis for discussion of feasibility of this interactive video technological solution in an inpatient situation. Differences in activity levels between groups will be the primary measure of efficacy. It will also provide data on measures of upper-limb function, balance and mobility.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ACTRN12614000427673 . Prospectively registered 17 April 2014.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, 7250, Australia. birdm@utas.edu.au.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bird
authors.affiliation: Tasmanian Health Organisation, Launceston, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cannell
authors.affiliation: Menzies Medical Research Institute, Medical Science Precinct 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart Tasmania, 7000, Australia.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Callisaya
authors.affiliation: Tasmanian Health Organisation, Launceston, Australia.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moles
authors.affiliation: Tasmanian Health Organisation, Launceston, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rathjen
authors.affiliation: Tasmanian Health Organisation, Launceston, Australia.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, 7250, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tyson
authors.affiliation: University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs Queensland, 4556, Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D009043:Motor Activity; D009048:Motor Skills; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D004856:Postural Balance; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012107:Research Design; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012984:Software; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D013648:Tasmania; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games
keywords: Activity; Exercise; Exergames; Rehabilitation