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The integration of a collaborative VR framework that integrates serious games with varying levels of complexity allows to enhance motivation, engagement, and social interaction among stroke survivors. The system, developed by a IEETA team, enables healthcare professionals to monitor participants in real-time through a dedicated tool, allowing for dynamic adjustments and personalized VR experiences. This framework was developed using a human-centered design methodology in close collaboration with members of a rehabilitation center to ensure it meets the needs of both stroke survivors and healthcare professionals.

A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain damage, impairing physical abilities, speech, cognition, and emotional well-being, with varying degrees of severity depending on the area and extent of the brain affected.

Rehabilitation is essential for stroke survivors as it facilitates recovery, helping them regain lost functions and improve their quality of life. It encompasses physical, cognitive, and emotional therapies aimed at promoting independence. The deployment of the system developed at IEETA may mitigate some of the engagement problems, which is expected to increase the success of therapy and the well-being of the patients.

Authored by: Bernardo Marques, Sérgio Oliveira, Paula Amorim, Beatriz Sousa Santos

Supported by:
IEETA – Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro
CMRRC – Centro de Medicina de Reabilitação da Região Centro – Rovisco Pais