Design and Development of Fun Lean Augmented and Virtual Reality Prototypes for Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Lack of motivation to carry out rehabilitation exercise from a hand injury or stroke is one of the most challenging aspects faced by Occupational Therapy (OT) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA). Some patients refuse to exercise due to behavioral, psychological, or cognitive reasons. We hypothesize that recovery to their former activity level and strength can be quickened if we develop Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) games which add fun into rehabilitative hand exercises. A physical card game for hand rehabilitation, which contains puzzle pieces and rehabilitative exercise instructions, is designed and developed to trigger the display of an Augmented Reality virtual reward upon completion of the puzzle. User testing results are promising. Users find it easy to use, supportive, efficient, exciting and interesting; suitable for either individual or collaborative play. Being object-oriented, it is also scalable, extensible and easily portable. An extended Leap-Motion-enhanced AR environment for limb rehabilitation is being developed. We hope that both will improve physical, mental and socio-cognitive health.