In December 2018 researchers from Israel published the results of their study to assess whether the Microsoft Xbox with the 3D Kinect sensor may be suitable for encouraging and practicing movements as part of a stroke rehabilitation programme. A total of 11 individuals, aged between 29-69 years, with chronic stroke and varying motor deficits, were involved in the study. Each individual played Xbox-Kinect games for between 4 and 22 sessions and the clinical use was documented. Information on the individual’s experience of ‘Bowling’ (Kinect-Sport) and ’20 000 leaks’ (Kinect Adventures) was collected via self-reported questionnaires. Results showed that the individuals thoroughly enjoyed playing the games and had a ‘somewhat-high’ perceived exertion after playing the two games. Each individual felt that two X-box-Kinect games suited their therapeutic goals. The researchers concluded that the Xbox-Kinect could potentially be incorporated into a rehabilitation programme to help improve whole-body movement and physical activity of individuals with chronic stroke.
Givon Schaham N et al. Game analysis and clinical use of the Xbox-Kinect for stroke rehabilitation. Int J Rehabil Res. 2018 Dec;41(4):323-330.