Video Game Therapy Research Articles

Contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation video game therapy for hand rehabilitation after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose To estimate the effect of integrating custom-designed hand therapy video games (HTVG) with contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) therapy. Methods Fifty-two stroke survivors with chronic (>6 months) upper limb hemiplegia were randomized to 12 weeks of CCFES or CCFES + HTVG. Treatment involved self-administration of technology-mediated therapy at home plus therapist-administered CCFES-assisted task practice in the lab. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were made of hand dexterity, upper limb impairment and activity limitation, and cognitive function. Results No significant between-group differences were found on any outcome measure, and the average magnitudes of improvement within both groups were small. The incidence of technical problems with study devices at home was greater for the CCFES + HTVG group. This negatively affected adherence and may partially explain the absence of effect of HTVG. At end-of-treatment, large majorities of both treatment groups had positive perceptions of treatment efficacy and expressed enthusiasm for the treatments. Conclusion This study makes an important contribution to the research literature on the importance of environmental factors, concomitant impairments, and technology simplification when designing technology-based therapies intended to be self-administered at home. This study failed to show any added benefit of HTVG to CCFES therapy. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03058796).

Putting the Gaming Experience at the Center of the Therapy-The Video Game Therapy® Approach.

Video games have been increasingly used as a form of therapy for various mental health conditions. Research has shown that video games can be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. One of the main benefits of video games in therapy is that they can provide a sense of engagement and immersion that traditional therapy methods may lack. Additionally, video games can teach valuable skills such as problem solving, decision making, and coping strategies. Video games can also simulate real-life scenarios, allowing individuals to practice and improve social skills in a safe and controlled environment. Furthermore, video games can provide feedback and track progress objectively and quantifiably. This paper proposes an approach, the Video Game Therapy® (VGT®) approach, where game experience is put at the center of the therapy in a tailored way, connecting the individual patient's personality, the therapy's goals, and the suggested type of video game through the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).VGT®'s core assumption is that playing video games could facilitate patients in reaching conditions where traditional methodologies and therapeutic approaches could work best. VGT® was elaborated according to the Adlerian therapy vision and, consequently, the different phases of Adlerian therapy and VGT® match. Despite the use of video games in psychotherapy might have some adverse effects in specific cases, VGT® is currently used in three associations with positive results in promoting emotional experimentation and literacy, social feeling, sense of identity, and activating cognitive processes. Future developments include expanding the use of VGT® further to validate such results from a statistical point of view.

PENGARUH TERAPI VIDEO GAME TERHADAP TINGKAT KECEMASAN ANAK PRE SIRKUMSISI

ABSTRACT
 
 Introduction: Anxiety is something that is faced by children before performing circumcision. Video game therapy is done to reduce the level of anxiety. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of video game therapy on anxiety levels of pre-circumcision children.
 Methods: The design of this study is Quasy experimental with a two group pre and post experimental design approach. Samples were taken using the Quota Sampling technique at the KRJ Fasyfini Clinic (Ganjaran Sehat), Gondanglegi, Malang Regency and independent practice nurses Bastamil Anwar Azis, S.Kep, Ns, Klepu Sumbermanjing.The measurement of anxiety using the HARS (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) questionnaire.
 Results: Mann-Whitney test results obtained p value 0.000 (p <0.05).
 Discussion: Based on this, it can be seen that there is an effect of video game therapy on the level of anxiety in pre-circumcision children, so it is hoped that video games will be an intervention in reducing anxiety due to circumcision.
 
 Keywords: Video Game Therapy, Anxiety, Circumcision

Pengaruh Terapi Musik dan Terapi Video Game terhadap Tingkat Nyeri Anak Usia Prasekolah yang Dilakukan Pemasangan Infus

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the average level of pain in preschoolers who were infused after being given music therapy and video game therapy at Bhayangkara TK III Hospital in Bengkulu city. This research is a quantitative study. This type of research is quasy experimental research with post test only control group approach, which is a study that did not take measurements before intervention. Measurements were only carried out after intervention, with 24 respondents taken in 2 groups, namely music therapy. and video game therapy. Data collection instruments used to measure pain with wong baker face pain rating scale. Data analysis using t-test The results of the study were that there were significant differences in the level of pain in preschoolers who were infused before and after being given music therapy and video game therapy. It is expected that nurses will apply music therapy and video game therapy as a technique for transferring pain to children.
 Keywords: Preschool, Video Game, Music, Pain Level.

Ability of people with post-stroke hemiplegia to self-administer FES-assisted hand therapy video games at home: An exploratory case series.

IntroductionThis article describes the development and initial clinical testing of an innovative home-based treatment for upper extremity hemiplegia that integrates contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation with hand therapy video games.MethodsWe explored the ability of seven participants with moderate-to-severe hand impairment to self-administer 12 weeks of contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation video game therapy at home for 10 h/week and in-lab with a therapist for four h/week. Clinical suitability was assessed by device usage logs, qualitative surveys, and clinical motor and cognitive outcomes.ResultsThree participants completed the study with > 95% compliance and four did not. Factors linked to incompletion included development of trigger finger in the non-paretic hand, acceptance of a new full-time job, residence relocation, and persistence of drowsiness from anti-spasticity medication. Those who completed the treatment perceived qualitative benefits and experienced gains in motor and cognitive outcomes.ConclusionIndividuals with moderate-to-severe chronic post-stroke upper extremity hemiplegia can self-administer contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation video game therapy for up to 90 min/day at home. We also identified social and physiological factors that may preclude its use for daily home treatment. Further studies are warranted and are in progress to estimate treatment effect and optimal dose of this intervention.

Occupational therapy rehabilitation of industrial setup hand injury cases for functional independence using modified joystick in interactive computer gaming in Anand, Gujarat

Background: The prevalence of hand injury cases in India from road traffic incidences is about 30% and the total number of hand injuries would go higher on adding the industrial injury cases. Several studies have provided preliminary descriptions of the benefits of virtual reality and video games in rehabilitation training. There are many studies showing beneficial utility of video games in rehabilitation and improvement of functional independence of the hand injury patients using high-cost video game such as “Wii” and others. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to find the impact of low-cost video game therapy against the conventional therapy in improving the hand function in terms of range of motion, grip strengths, and functional independence. Materials and Methods: Patients coming to occupational therapy unit with hand injury fulfilling inclusion-exclusion criteria and agreeing to participate in the study were randomly divided into two groups - conventional therapy group and video game group based on the computer-generated random allocation. The duration of therapy was same for the two groups. The readings for hand function in terms of range of motion, grip strengths, and functional independence were documented for both the groups before the treatment and after the treatment and were compared statistically for finding the difference if any. Results: The findings of the study showed that both the groups had improved in terms of the hand function as in the range of motion, grip strengths, and functional independence at the end of treatment irrespective of the treatment arm they were in P 0.05). However, the experimental group seemed to enjoy their treatment more than their counterparts as expressed in informal communications; therefore, we may conclude the gaming method to be more preferred method of the treatment for the condition. Conclusion: We conclude that the video gaming method is as effective as that of the conventional method for improving the strengths, grip, range of motion, and functional independence in hand injury cases, but the video gaming being more interesting and involving, is deemed to be much more enjoyable by the patients compared to the conventional. Since the patients find it interesting, they look forward for more of the sessions. This is a positive motivation for the compliance of the patients for completing the treatment properly and getting maximum benefit of the therapy.

The effects of video game therapy on balance and attention in chronic ambulatory traumatic brain injury: an exploratory study

BackgroundPatients with traumatic brain injury often have balance and attentive disorders. Video game therapy (VGT) has been proposed as a new intervention to improve mobility and attention through a reward-learning approach. In this pilot randomized, controlled trial, we tested the effects of VGT, compared with a balance platform therapy (BPT), on balance, mobility and selective attention in chronic traumatic brain injury patients.MethodsWe enrolled chronic traumatic brain injury patients (n = 21) that randomly received VGT or BPT for 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. The clinical outcome measures included: i) the Community Balance & Mobility Scale (CB&M); ii) the Unified Balance Scale (UBS); iii) the Timed Up and Go test (TUG); iv) static balance and v) selective visual attention evaluation (Go/Nogo task).ResultsBoth groups improved in CB&M scores, but only the VGT group increased on the UBS and TUG with a between-group significance (p < 0.05). Selective attention improved significantly in the VGT group (p < 0.01).ConclusionsVideo game therapy is an option for the management of chronic traumatic brain injury patients to ameliorate balance and attention deficits.Trial registrationNCT01883830, April 5 2013.

Video Game Therapy: Application of the Couple and Family Technology Framework

The couple and family technology framework outlines how technology affects couple and family relationships. This framework has been applied to understanding the impact of technology on infidelity, contributed to our understanding of online gaming issues in couple relationships, and sexting. The purpose of this paper is to outline how to implement video gaming as a disciplinary tool for youth congruent with the couple and family technology framework. Specifically, we identify the elements of video games that can be applied as an intervention in family treatment with youth in a token economy. This proposed technique focuses on utilizing technology (and specifically video games) as a strategy to improve youth’s behavior. Consistent with the couple and family technology framework, this paper outlines how accessibility, affordability, accommodation, and approximation can be used to improve behavior as well as improve parent–child relationships. Implications are included.

Interactive Video Games are an Effective Supplementary to Pediatric Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy: Knowledge Translation of Video Game-based Therapy

To increase physical activity participation in children with cerebral palsy, the concept of video game-therapy has been introduced as a supplementary to physical rehabilitation programs. Evidence suggests that video game-based therapy is a safe, enjoyable and feasible strategy to increase movement experiences in children with developmental disabilities. Commercial video game consoles provide a platform for users to participate in repetitive movement tasks, which have been suggested to drive neuroplastic changes towards motor development in children with cerebral palsy. This evidence-based review is a supplementary to a knowledge translation video designed to educate the general public on the health-related benefits that can be accrued from playing interactive video games as an adjunct therapy to clinical exercise rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy.

Video Game Therapy as an Intervention for Children With Disabilities: Literature Review and Program Protocol

Childhood obesity, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disability are among a long list of physical and cognitive conditions facing many youth today that can all benefit from a treatment program that includes a video game therapy intervention administered by a recreation therapist. Video game therapy is a modern method of assistive technology treatment that uses interactive video games to promote health benefits. This manuscript examines evidence based outcomes of the positive effects of therapeutic video games and digital assistive technology particularly for children with obesity and children with mental or developmental disorders. In addition, a working program protocol for a video game therapy program for children with obesity is provided.Subscribe to TRJ

Video Game Therapy for Emotional Regulation and Impulsivity Control in a Series of Treated Cases with Bulimia Nervosa

Although standard psychological treatments have been successful in treating several core features in eating disorders (ED), other characteristics such as emotional regulation or impulsivity appear to be more resistant to change. There is a growing body of evidence to support the efficacy of cognitive remediation for cognitive and emotional difficulties in ED. Playmancer/ Islands is a video game (VG) designed to specifically treat mental disorders, characterized by problems in impulse control. The objective of the game is to increase self-control over emotions, decision making and behaviours. The aim of this study is to describe the results from a consecutive series of nine bulimia nervosa patients who were treated with the VG in addition to cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). The outcomes included clinical and psychopathological questionnaires, and physiological measures were obtained during the VG. Emotional regulation improved, heart rate variability increased, and respiratory rate and impulsivity measures reduced after the treatment. These findings suggest that VG training may enhance treatment for ED.

Feasibility and observed safety of interactive video games for physical rehabilitation in the intensive care unit: a case series

BackgroundEarly rehabilitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) improves patients' physical function. Despite reports of using commercially available interactive video game systems for rehabilitation, there are few data evaluating feasibility and safety as part of routine in-patient rehabilitation, particularly in the ICU. MethodsWe conducted an observational study from September 1, 2009, to August 31, 2010, of adults admitted to a 16-bed medical ICU receiving video games as part of routine physical therapy (PT), evaluating use and indications and occurrence of 14 prospectively monitored safety events. ResultsOf 410 patients receiving PT in the medical ICU, 22 (5% of all patients; male, 64%; median age, 52 years) had 42 PT treatments with video games (median [interquartile range] per patient, 1.0 [1.0-2.0]). Main indications for video game therapy included balance (52%) and endurance (45%), and the most common activities included boxing (38%), bowling (24%), and balance board (21%). Of 42 treatments, 69% occurred while standing and 45% while mechanically ventilated. During 35 hours of PT treatment, 0 safety events occurred (95% upper confidence limit for safety event rate, 8.4%). ConclusionsNovel use of interactive video games as part of routine PT in critically ill patients is feasible and appears safe in our case series. Video game therapy may complement existing rehabilitation techniques for ICU patients.

Video-Game Play Induces Plasticity in the Visual System of Adults with Amblyopia

Author SummaryEarly abnormal visual experience disrupts neuronal circuitry in the brain and results in reduced vision, known as amblyopia or “lazy eye,” the most frequent cause of permanent visual loss in childhood. It is generally believed that adult amblyopia is irreversible beyond the sensitive period of brain development during childhood. In this study, we examine whether playing video games, both action and non-action, has an effect on the vision of adults with amblyopia. We assessed visual acuity (visual resolution), positional acuity (the ability to localize object's relative position), spatial attention (the ability to direct visual attention to various locations in the visual field), and stereoacuity (stereo-vision / 3-D depth perception) in a small group of teenagers and adults. We found that they tended to recover vision much faster than we would have expected from the results of conventional occlusion therapy in childhood amblyopia. Additional experiments and modelling suggest that the improvements are a result of decreasing spatial distortion and increasing information processing efficiency in the amblyopic brain. Thus, video games may include essential elements for active vision training to boost visual performance. Most importantly, our findings suggest that video-game play may provide important principles for treating amblyopia, a suggestion that we are pursuing with larger scale clinical trials.

Online Video Game Therapy for Mental Health Concerns: A Review

There has been research on the use of offline video games for therapeutic purposes but online video game therapy is still fairly under-researched. Online therapeutic interventions have only recently included a gaming component. Hence, this review represents a timely first step toward taking advantage of these recent technological and cultural innovations, particularly for the treatment of special-needs groups such as the young, the elderly and people with various conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and autism spectrum disorders. A review integrating research findings on two technological advances was conducted: the home computer boom of the 1980s, which triggered a flood of research on therapeutic video games for the treatment of various mental health conditions; and the rise of the internet in the 1990s, which caused computers to be seen as conduits for therapeutic interaction rather than replacements for the therapist. We discuss how video games and the internet can now be combined in therapeutic interventions, as attested by a consideration of pioneering studies. Future research into online video game therapy for mental health concerns might focus on two broad types of game: simple society games, which are accessible and enjoyable to players of all ages, and online worlds, which offer a unique opportunity for narrative content and immersive remote interaction with therapists and fellow patients. Both genres might be used for assessment and training purposes, and provide an unlimited platform for social interaction. The mental health community can benefit from more collaborative efforts between therapists and engineers, making such innovations a reality.