Playing an instrument requires dexterity and lots of practice.
People whose arm strength has been compromised, because of a stroke, for example, are often reliant on physiotherapy.
Special sensors can help retrain patients’ grip. But the speed at which arm strength can be rebuilt depends on the availability and cost of appointments.
A research team from Imperial College, London, has a playful solution to the challenge, however – literally. They developed a joystick which allows patients to train their arms as they game.
With its heightened sensitivity, the handheld device can track even the smallest movements of severely paralyzed patients.
According to initial studies, the joystick can increase users’ daily training workload sevenfold, enabling a speedier recovery.
First rate.
