Updated March 11, 2015.

Stroke rehabilitation research reveals many exciting new methods of recovery. The science of neuroplasticity reveals that the brain is able to change and adapt well into adulthood. Neuroplasticity may play a role in stroke recovery. After a stroke, the brain can learn to develop new functions. The brain shows resilience even in the face of severe damage when techniques such as electrical stimulation or music therapy are used to trigger recovery.

As the science of neuroplasticity is advancing, it may eventually be harnessed and directed to become more useful in stroke recovery. 

Video games offer an enjoyable rehabilitation technique for stroke survivors.

Video games certainly have a few negative characteristics. They can be addictive, and some people are more prone to the compulsion than others. For some, video games can contribute to attention problems, due to the habit-forming instant gratification of many games. The relationship between attention problems and video games certainly has a chicken or egg characteristic because those with attention problems are drawn to tasks that reward rapid instant gratification. Video games are often violent and have been blamed for influencing those who are impressionable. If video games can have such a negative influence on the brain, how is it possible that video games can have positive an influence on the brain as well?

 

Recent scientific research has proven that video games can be used in beneficial ways to stimulate brain function and recovery after a stroke.

Video games that use specific thinking skills or muscle skills can contribute to the development of connections between different parts of the brain to help in stroke recovery. A research study published in the March 2014 Journal, “Clinical Rehabilitation,” evaluated 36 adult patients who had strokes within the previous 3 months and found improvement in balance after playing a standing video game.

 

Some features of video games that can be useful in stroke recovery.

Gradually increasing level of difficulty- The most likely way to benefit is to play a game featuring progressively more difficult tasks that help cultivate the skills and abilities of the player. 

Not addictive- Games with addictive potential just keep using the same skills over and over again. In moderation, such amusements may be nice leisure activities and pleasant escapes, but they only serve to develop one isolated, often useless, skill.

Thinking about things from different angles- It is more advantageous to learn to overcome a problem (or get game points) by looking at things literally from different angles and points of view, instead of, for example, always looking at things on a flat plane, or always recognizing the red object. A game that challenges the player to look in many directions and to approach a problem in several different ways is likely more beneficial.

Creative – A game that requires some creative thinking in terms of how to solve a problem is more helpful than a very simplistic game that features only a few choices. A game that requires the player to put together interesting combinations can add more challenge and thus develop a wider range of skills.

High-level strategy- The more complex a game, and the more elements the player has to think about, the more challenging and stimulating. However, just as in real life, if there are too many unattainable challenges, the game can become frustrating and pointless instead of exciting and beneficial. The key is to work your way up to more advanced challenges gradually.

 

Thus far, video games are a relatively new idea in stroke rehabilitation. It is likely that in the future, further research may help evaluate the potential benefits of video games for coordination, thinking skills, language and complex deficits such as neglect.

Sources:

Retraining and assessing hand movement after stroke using the MusicGlove: comparison with conventional hand therapy and isometric grip training, Friedman N, Chan V, Reinkensmeyer AN, Beroukhim A, Zambrano GJ, Bachman M, Reinkensmeyer DJ, Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, April 2014

Bower KJ, Clark RA, McGinley JL, Martin CL, Miller KJ, Clinical feasibility of the Nintendo Wii™ for balance training post-stroke: a phase II randomized controlled trial in an inpatient setting, Clinical Rehabilitation, March 2014.

Lee G, Effects of training using video games on the muscle strength, muscle tone, and activities of daily living of chronic stroke patients, Journal of Physical Therapy Science, May 2013