A Home-Based Massed Practice System for Pediatric Neurorehabilitation

The objective of this paper is to introduce a novel low-cost humancomputer interface (HCI) system for home-based massed practice for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Successful massed practice, a type of neurorehabilitation, may be of value for children with CP because it facilitates impaired hand use. Use of automated, home-based systems could provide a practical means for massed practice. However, the optimal strategy to deliver and monitor homebased massed practice is still unclear. We integrated motion sensor, video game, and HCI software technologies to create a useful home-based massed practice at targeted joints. The system records joint angle and number of movements using a low-cost custom hand-held sensor. The sensor acts as an input device to play video games. We will demonstrate the system and provide preliminary observations on usage by children with CP, including joint motion and muscle activation.