Serious game training for improving myoelectric upper limb prosthesis control
Serious game training for improving myoelectric upper limb prosthesis control
This thesis of Bart Maas looks at how video games can help people learn to control advanced prosthetic arms. These prostheses are operated using muscle signals, but mastering this control is very difficult. Training is therefore essential, and serious games, which are games designed not just for fun but also for learning, could be a powerful tool. They can make practice more enjoyable and motivating while also preparing users for daily life tasks.
The research in this thesis explores different ways to use serious games in prosthesis training. One study tested whether games could measure how well people control their prosthesis at home. The results showed that it was easy and reliable to use games for this, but more work is needed before it can replace traditional assessments. Another study compared games that closely resembled prosthesis tasks with games that did not. Surprisingly, both showed similar results, possibly because individual differences played a large role.
A new Virtual Reality training game was also developed, where participants acted as baristas making coffee with a virtual prosthesis hand. This game was just as effective as training with a real prosthesis simulator. Therapists and users who tried the system in rehabilitation centers rated it highly, especially for motivation and usability.
In conclusion, serious games can support skill learning for prosthesis users, especially when they are task-specific and immersive. While training in clinics is currently most realistic, at-home training could become a future step. With further improvements, serious games may become a valuable part of rehabilitation.