Video game to entice patients to stay on rehab track
AFTER an operation like a knee replacement, patients have to begin their physical therapy almost immediately for better recovery.
But pain can deter even the hardiest patients from getting up and exercising.
As a way of motivating patients, a team of Singapore General Hospital ( SGH) physiotherapists came up with the idea of a video game that is both effective and fun. The exercises on their Supergramps app for smartphones or tablets are in the form of a game with progressive levels for patients to work towards.
“We wanted to do something with technology because we know it can help patients in many meaningful ways. Our objective was simply to use tech to increase each patient’s level of activity (during their recovery),” said Ms Eleanor Chew, Principal Physiotherapist, SGH.
Patients can work on the exercises with minimal supervision, as the app is capable of indicating if they are not performing the tasks properly – like not lifting the leg high enough, not applying enough strength or not moving the leg correctly. It is also safe, as patients, even the elderly and frail, can do them in bed or while seated. Still, said Ms Chew, “It’s not a silver app per se but is for general strengthening for everyone. We needed the exercises to be done safely, so it’s for almost anyone to use.”
Sensors strapped to the legs send information via Bluetooth to the app. For instance, one exercise urges the patient to “lift ( his) legs to fly the helicopter.” “If he isn’t doing this correctly, the helicopter won’t move,” said Ms Chew.
The app is also able to collect and store the data for analysis so that the physiotherapist is able to track the patient’s progress. This feature is also useful for ensuring that the patient is doing his exercises at home.
Together with a former colleague, Mr Derek Lee, Ms Chew hit upon the idea for the app as their contribution for a hospital hackathon in 2017. After coming in first in one of the categories, they took their idea to a private software developer, Taggle Pte Ltd, that specialises in healthcare-related products to help them develop the app for trial with patients to test its effectiveness.
The longer-term goal, however, is for the app to be used more widely, not just within SGH. Indeed, for Mr Lee Seng Beo, Director, Taggle, the app’s potential – not just as an easy and effective resource, but also for its commercial viability – was what drew him to the project. He said the gaming element was important in engaging patients in a fun way.
“A game is more fun or easy to follow. It also gives the player a target to work towards. When you reach a target, it motivates you. Then you level up,” he said, adding that using an app like this can empower patients to take charge of their own wellbeing.
The app offers only two sets of exercises aimed at flexibility and strengthening of the lower limbs for the trial. They should take five to 10 minutes to do. Further down the road, the app can include exercises for different areas of the body. So far, only SGH staff have tried the app, but when it goes to trial, knee replacement patients are likely to be the target group. They will be required to raise their legs to move the helicopter, as well as bend their knees to get an onscreen character to lift weights.
“At the end of the day, this may not only benefit the patients and therapists at SGH, but it could serve the needs of other patients and hospitals in the region or worldwide,” said Mr Lee of Taggle.
• This story was first published in Singapore Health, Sept- Oct 2018 issue.