Assistive game controller for artificial intelligence-enhanced telerehabilitation post-stroke

Abstract

Off-the-shelf gaming technology is designed for young, fit and motor intact individuals. Artificial intelligence has a role in making controllers and therapeutic games adaptable to the disabled. Post-stroke rehabilitation outcomes can be enhanced by gaming technology within the home to enable engaging telerehabilitation. BrightBrainer™ Grasp is a novel hand controller designed to adapt to arm and hand impairments post stroke, enable functionality for desired intensive training, and the ability to track relevant outcomes. The newly designed controller uses BrightBrainer gamification system with artificial intelligence technology to provide automatic adaptation, requiring minimal clinician input. This article describes the BrightBrainer Grasp design, hardware, force and movement detection and calibration, and its integration with the therapeutic games. The use of artificial intelligence in adapting a library of custom therapeutic games is also described. Results of a usability study with healthy individuals and related design modifications are presented, with implications for future trials.