Introduction: Exercise rehabilitation is crucial for neurological recovery in hemiplegia-induced upper limb dysfunction. Technology-assisted cortical activation in sensorimotor areas has shown potential for restoring motor function. This study assessed the feasibility of mobile serious games for stroke patients' motor rehabilitation.
Methods: A dedicated mobile application targeted shoulder, elbow, and wrist training. Twelve stroke survivors attempted a motor task under two conditions: serious mobile game-assisted and conventional rehabilitation. Electroencephalography and electromyography measured the therapy effects.
Results: Patients undergoing game-assisted rehabilitation showed stronger event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the contralateral hemisphere's motor perception areas compared to conventional rehabilitation (p < 0.05). RMS was notably higher in game-assisted rehabilitation, particularly in shoulder training (p < 0.05).
Discussion: Serious mobile game rehabilitation activated the motor cortex without directly improving muscle activity. This suggests its potential in neurological recovery for stroke patients.
Keywords: electroencephalogram; electromyography; event-related desynchronization; rehabilitation; serious games; stroke; upper limb hemiplegia.
© 2023 Chen, Yan, Wu, Liu, Zhang and Cui.