The aim of this project is to develop a new video console system that uses alternative interaction channels primarily based on movement of body, gaze and arms. New early intervention activities in children with neuromotor disability are sought to develop their physical and cognitive abilities to the full. The system will be composed of human-computer interfaces and video games that are adaptable to the user’s specific condition. The technology solution offers stimulating recreational and functional tasks to the child, which are themselves rehabilitation and monitoring exercises, and it is hoped will become a commonly used tool.
This project is focussed on children with cerebral palsy (CP) and related syndromes. CP is the most common neuromotor disability in childhood and occurs in 2 to 3 children per thousand. CP is often defined as “global disorder of the person consisting of a permanent and irreversible disorder of muscle tone, posture and movement, due to a non-progressive brain injury before its development and growth are complete”.
There are various types and degrees of severity. The most common classification is the “Gross Motor Classification System (GMFCS)”, which includes five levels to describe the functions of walking, where level I is the grade at which the person walks without difficulty, to level V, in which the person cannot walk. This classification is a sample of the diversity of the changes caused by CP.