Gaming technology for individuals with cerebral palsy
Project Description:
The broad vision of this project is to enable persons with moderate to severe motor disability due to cerebral palsy to participate fully in the recreational, social, and therapeutic benefits of virtual reality software products. To accomplish this vision will require the collaboration of individuals wit motor disability, software programmers, computer science engineers, and movement specialists. This is a collaborative project between of the UCLA/Orthopaedic Hospital Center for Cerebral Palsy and the Game-Based Rehabilitation Lab at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies USC.
Low-cost camera-based systems capable of tracking user behavior at sufficient levels for game-based interaction and virtual reality rehabilitation activities are currently available for in-home use. One of the more exciting new developments in this area involves the Xbox Kinect System by Microsoft which by its design could serve as a low-cost ($150) and readily available full-body tracking tool for promoting accessible interaction with computer game-based content. Interaction with computer game-based content using gross motor activity, rather than with the fine motor dependent interaction required by most commercially available game controllers stands to make game play more accessible for persons with disabilities. In persons with CP, Kinect camera tracking could provide enhanced opportunities for the use and enjoyment of computer games, if software was created that could customize the interactive game play requirements based on the users unique motor abilities.
We will begin with the development of Kinect software to interface with X-Box. Separate applications will be developed for individuals who have inadequate motion versus excessive motion. Individuals with cerebral palsy will give input to all aspects of design and will be reimbursed for their time.
Keyword(s):
Cerebral palsy, movement disorders, gaming technology, recreation
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Recreation-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
