Innovation in stroke rehabilitation: Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of customised active computer games to improve outcomes following stroke

Phase 1: 40 participants will complete one testing session of 40 minutes duration to investigate feasibility and safety of the gaming activities, which utilise a motion-sensing camera and custom-written software. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four gaming activities. Three of these games primarily involve tracking of hip and shoulder movements to perform actions on the television screen. The remaining game involves tracking of upper limb movements. Participants will work through a protocol of testing which involves using the games in sitting and standing, and through varying levels of difficulty. All sessions will be undertaken on an individual basis under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Phase 2: Of these 40 participants, 16 will take part in a randomised study. Phase 2 participants will be recruited consecutively from Phase 1 until 16 participants have been recruited. The intervention group will participate in 8 gaming sessions of 40 minutes duration over a 4 week period, in addition to their usual care. During each session participants may interact with all four gaming activities and sessions will be individualised for each participant with guidance from the supervising therapist.