A Kinect-based system.pdf

Research in Developmental Disabilities 32 (2011) 2566–2570 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Research in Developmental DisabilitiesA Kinect-based system for physical rehabilitation: A pilot study for young adults with motor disabilities Yao-Jen Chang a,*, Shu-Fang Chen b, Jun-Da Huang c aDepartment of Electronic Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan bGraduate Institute of Rehabilitation Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan cAssociation of Employment Rights for the Disabled, Taipei, TaiwanA R T I C L E I N F O Article history: Received 30 June 2011 Accepted 1 July 2011 Available online 23 July 2011 Keywords: Physical rehabilitation Motor disabilities Kinect Gesture recognition A B S T R A C T This study assessed the possibility of rehabilitating two young adults with motor impairments using a Kinect-based system in a public school setting. This study was carried out according to an ABAB sequence in which A represented the baseline and B represented intervention phases. Data showed that the two participants significantly increased their motivation for physical rehabilitation, thus improving exercise performance during the intervention phases. Practical and developmental implications of the findings are discussed.  2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.1. Introduction People with motor disabilities experience limitations in fine motor control, strength, and range of motion. These deficits can dramatically limit their ability to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, hair combing, and bathing, independently. In addition, these deficits can reduce participation in community and leisure activities, and even negatively impact occupational perspectives (Gabriele Renate, 2009; Lai, Studenski, Duncan, Perera, 2002; Wagner, Lang, Sahrmann, Edwards, Dromerick, 2007). Participating in repetitive exercises can help people with motor disabilities overcome the limitations they experience. However, one study indicates th