Background: With the growing burden of stroke, the need of affordable, engaging rehabilitation regimes maximizing functional improvement is a need. We developed and validated a low-cost computer game-assisted rehabilitation platform (GRP) where a novel application of a miniature inertial motion mouse and common computer games, provide an engaging method of repetitive task practice for object manipulation  leading to improved motor activities; translatable to activities of daily living. 

Objective: Evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of GRP on fine and gross motor skills in upper extremity in individuals with stroke. 

Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial with PROBE design. Post screening 80 eligible candidates will be randomized (1:1) into the intervention and control arms. The intervention arm will receive 3sessions/week of therapy with the GRP for 12 weeks in addition to usual care. (Figure 1) All patients will be followed at 16th week.

Results: Differences between intervention and control groups will be tested using Wolf motor function test, Stroke specific quality of life and the GRP object manipulation assessment tool. Patient and therapist experiences of the GRP will be explored using semi-structured interviews and the qualitative description approach.

Conclusions: This research protocol, if effective, will provide evidence for the therapeutic value and feasibility of GRP in the rehabilitation of upper extremity function after stroke.

COMPUTER GAME-ASSISTED REPETITIVE TASK PRACTICE PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH FINE AND GROSS MOTOR UPPER-EXTREMITY IMPAIRMENTS DUE TO STROKE- PROTOCOL OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL (CARE-FOR-U)