Video Game-Based Exercise for Improvement of Calf Muscle Properties: A Case Study

Abstract

A video game-based training system was designed to integrate functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology and visual feedback therapy as means to regain strength and aerobic capacity of muscles. We believe that the inclusion of interactive gaming component in the muscle training process can increase individuals’ motivation to perform their exercises and therefore result in improved muscle properties. The system allows the subjects to perform isotonic plantarflexion and dorsiflexion with utilization of FES against different levels of resistance, while controlling video games. The control of the game is performed based on the visual feedback representing the ankle joint angle. Participant was a man with chronic complete paraplegia at the level of T4. The participant indicated that he enjoyed the video game-based tool, and that he would like to continue the treatment. The game was easy to control and at the same time provided a challenging environment for the player. We believe that video game-based FES training program might be effectively used to motivate subjects to practice with the FES system more frequently and by doing so improve and/or maintain muscle properties after SCI. It is anticipate that such training protocol could be used to minimize the occurrence and severity of secondary complications in individuals with SCI. We believe that the improvement of muscle strength will help individuals with incomplete SCI to participate in other rehabilitation programs designed to improve functional tasks.