A stroke is a devastating life event, leaving victims mentally and physically weak as it takes away their ability to perform daily living activities. Fortunately, new technologies are helping us make stroke rehabilitation more effective.
Video games for stroke recovery are one of the new trends that help shorten recovery time after stroke by enabling patients to regain full use of their limbs. Let’s explore the science behind video games for stroke recovery, their benefits, the best video games for stroke patients, and how to incorporate them into your stroke rehab journey.
The Science Behind Video Games for Stroke Recovery
Like other effective stroke rehabilitation therapies, video games for stroke recovery help improve neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections to compensate for injuries. Such “rewiring,” supported by consistent exercise, helps patients recover lost functionalities.
Video games promote neuroplasticity by leveraging repetitive, engaging, and goal-oriented activities to stimulate the brain and facilitate healing. They also make it easier for patients to commit to performing repetitive movements through engaging tasks.
Video games for stroke patients, supported by virtual reality (VR) technology, offer multisensory stimulation (e.g., visual, audio, and tactile feedback). They help improve hand-eye coordination while activating multiple brain regions simultaneously to encourage the creation of new neural pathways.
For example, a study found that stroke patients who incorporated VR games into their therapies showed significantly greater improvement in their daily living activities than those who only received traditional rehabilitation therapy.
Moreover, many video games require players to use both hands or coordinate actions between hands and feet, promoting communication between the brain's hemispheres. The cross-lateral stimulations help restore balance and function between the affected and unaffected sides of the body.
Some video games for stroke recovery also involve problem-solving, memory, and decision-making skills to support cognitive flexibility and strengthen neural networks. They also stimulate the release of dopamine — a neurotransmitter that strengthens synaptic connections and keeps patients motivated.
Video games promote cortical reorganization and activate alternative neural pathways, helping stroke patients regain motor functions. In particular, physically active video games help increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in synaptic plasticity and brain regeneration.
The Benefits of Using Video Games for Stroke Recovery
Video games for stroke patients enhance physical rehabilitation by helping improve motor skills, rebuild strength, and increase coordination in affected limbs. Meanwhile, gamification turns repetitive tasks into interactive challenges to increase adherence to treatment plans.
Therapists can tailor the difficulty level to match a patient’s ability, gradually increasing the challenge as they progress to provide a personalized experience essential for shortening recovery time after stroke.
Video games for stroke patients also boost cognitive recovery. For example, puzzle games, strategy games, and brain-training apps target memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Many games also require multitasking, helping improve eye-hand coordination and neural pathway regeneration.
Many stroke patients are emotionally vulnerable and tend to suffer from anxiety and depression, compounding the physical and mental impact of the condition. Video games for stroke recovery help patients regain a sense of accomplishment while adding a light-hearted element to a serious and devastating situation.
Gaming systems are accessible, providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional therapy sessions. Moreover, multiplayer games and online communities enable stroke patients to connect with others, reducing the sense of isolation and enhancing their psychological well-being along the lengthy recovery journey.
Many video games for stroke patients also allow therapists to track progress, monitor a patient’s recovery, and adjust the exercise routine to meet changing recovery needs.
Examples of Video Games for Stroke Recovery
So, how do you choose video games to help shorten recovery time after stroke? The most effective ones engage and encourage patients to practice repetitive movements or cognitive tasks to stimulate the brain and promote neuroplasticity. Here are some examples:
- Brain Age helps improve cognitive skills like memory and concentration. The exercises focus on improving processing speed and short-term memory.
- Nintendo Switch Sports helps stroke patients regain movement through interactive games involving various physical skills (e.g., bowling, tennis, and soccer).
- MusicGlove targets hand functions by combining video gaming with music and hand therapy to encourage patients to perform repetitive exercises.
- FitMi helps stroke patients improve full-body movement using exercises targeting the hand, arms, core, and legs.
- Beat Saber is a VR game that involves rhythmic upper-body movement. It combines body movements with music therapy to enhance arm functions.
- Speech and cognitive therapy mobile apps offer thousands of training exercises in one place to help patients improve language, memory, listening, reading, problem-solving, attention, and visual processing skills.
How to Incorporate Video Games into Stroke Recovery
Select video games purpose-built to target motor, cognitive, and emotional rehabilitation for stroke patients. Also, incorporate interactive systems like Nintendo Wii, Xbox Kinect, and VR systems to enhance physical interactions and support movement-based games.
Work with experienced physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neurologists to tailor the exercises to support recovery goals. These professionals will track progress and adjust game difficulty to maximize the benefits while avoiding overexertion.
Establish a routine and dedicate time for gaming as part of the rehabilitation schedule. Combine video games with traditional therapies (e.g., physiotherapy or speech therapy) to create a holistic recovery plan.
Use motion-capture technology and integrated sensors to provide real-time feedback. Choose a rehabilitation-focused system that generates progress reports to help therapists track mobility, cognition, and endurance improvements and adjust the treatment plan.
Social interactions offered by cooperative or competitive games and multiplayer mode help patients stay consistent with their exercises. Family members may play alongside the patient to provide additional motivation and create bonding opportunities.
Support Your Stroke Recovery Journey in Alabama
Video games will play an increasingly integral role in stroke recovery. To shorten recovery time after stroke, choose a reputable rehabilitation facility that can help you effectively combine cutting-edge gaming technologies with traditional therapies.
Rehab Select’s five state-of-the-art facilities across Alabama give you access to therapists experienced in stroke rehabilitation. We help patients improve their physical and cognitive functions while enhancing their mental and emotional well-being. Learn more about our stroke rehabilitation services and schedule a tour to start your rehab journey.
