Computational famework to support serious games design for children with special needs

Antunes, André

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/38310

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Authors

Antunes, André

Advisor(s)

Madeira, Rui Neves

Abstract(s)

Children with special needs must perform physiotherapy exercises for rehabilitation and regaining functionality. Due to the repetitive nature of the rehabilitation and the characteristics of the population, serious games (SG) are used to motivate and promote engagement while exercising. The complexity and extreme variation of focused pathologies require flexibility and adaptation strategies from solutions. Therapists and curators can benefit from more intuitive tools allowing a more efficient usage of technology. This research proposes the conceptualization of a framework model to support the design of serious games for children with special needs and a platform that implements this concept. The model identifies four major areas: therapeutic domain, technology, game, and analysis. The framework abstracts the technology allowing the use of multiple sensors and actuators, easing the implementation of smart environments. The model includes the definition of games based on levels and sequences of actions, which model therapeutic exercises. The platform allows the creation of game actions towards specific therapies. The setting of the game action scope, concerning the intended therapies, allows the system to suggest particular actions based on the patient profile and current needs. The platform allows posterior view and analysis of recorded results. A comparative analysis of patient’s platform usage data and results is possible. Platform usage data and results can be shared and compared between clinics. An API allows external applications and devices to integrate with the platform. A study with patients using a game connected to the platform and obtained results are presented and discussed in this document.