ArmAssist uses video games used to heal stroke victims

While most of us play video games just so we can have fun, in the future some people might get to play video games to get better. Some researchers in Spain have developed a device that is said to help people with neuromuscular disabilities, such as stroke victims, regain function. It is called the ArmAssist, it is made up of a mobile-based device that is connected to the user through an orthotic that records and measures the movements of the shoulder and elbow.

These recorded signals are sent to the computer which are then translated into movements in a video game. As users play the game, they train to regain control of their arms and exercise their muscles at the same time. The ArmAssist is currently going through testing phases before it is made available to the public. No word of when that will be, but it’s great to see video games being used for more than just entertainment purposes.

[Press Release]

George Wong
Categories: Gaming, Medical
Tags: robot arm, video game