Communications of the ACM
Therapeutic Computer Games Target Stroke Sufferers
A therapeutic computer game developed in Ireland uses three-dimensional (3-D) goggles to improve the brain's sense of perspective and balance in stroke sufferers. Stroke victims use a motion-controlled game console and 3-D goggles to aim at targets. The activity is designed to help adjust their bodily movements to match their new spatial awareness. The Institute of Technology Carlow helped develop the software. "It is based on an existing therapy but the equipment needed to do it at the moment costs a lot of money," says Carlow's Joseph Kehoe.
Researchers at Carlow also helped design the IQ-EQ Brain Trainer program, which helps people overcome phobias, addictions, or anxiety disorders, and also increase their IQ. The software assesses the severity of the problem by displaying disorder-related images and measuring the reaction time, and trains users on how to give less attention to those cues.
Carlow researchers also are working on a similar app for the iPhone. The Anxt app measures the disorder, teaches users about their anxiety or phobia, provides tasks for controlling and conquering the problem, and gives scores to help people monitor their progress.
From The Engineer
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