Patient-empowerment interactive technologies

Sci Transl Med. 2012 Sep 19;4(152):152ps16. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004009.

Abstract

Video games capture the rapt attention of an individual player's mind and body, providing new opportunities for personalized health care. An example of therapeutic interactive technologies is an incentive-based video game that translates physical exercise into mental empowerment via motivational metaphoric visualization in order to help patients psychologically overcome cancer. Such nonpharmacological interventions may enhance patients' resilience toward various chronic disorders via neuronal mechanisms that activate positive emotions and the reward system.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Patients*
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Video Games* / economics