26 / NeuroDevNet Annual Report 2012 / 2013 / Research Program Update / NeuroGames
RESEARCH PROGRAM UPDATE NEUROGAMES
“Serious Games” are Entertaining and Therapeutic Video games emerging from a collaboration between NeuroDevNet and the Graphics Animation and New Media NCE (GRAND) are in play and showing market potential. NeuroGAMe, a NeuroDevNet/GRAND initiative teaming neuroscientists with researchers in computer science has produced three games that engage users with the same look and feel as market videogames, but also embed cardiovascular fitness, or the capacity to focus as part of the gaming experience. CP Fit n’ Fun Exergame, also known as Liberi, combines a customized exergame with a dedicated social network that allows for head-to-head contests—and socializing—over long distances, with the goal of preserving mobility and diminishing isolation among teens with cerebral palsy. Caribbean Quest, a videogame aimed at younger children, builds capacity to pay attention, recollect, and manipulate objects. The game was initially piloted with children with FASD, and is also being trialed with children with autism through a Mitacs internship. (See Internship story about Andrew Sung, in Training and Education, page 32). A third project, based on a novel biometric feedback system, enables any commercial videogame to be turned into a “brain game.” The technology has been piloted with children with FASD, and shows potential for use in other neurodevelopmental disorders. To date, research involving brain games has focused primarily on the development phase. Further evaluation will be necessary to encourage uptake by the healthcare community. Receptivity and interest are there to be tapped, based on feedback from participants attending Intersection 2012: Advancing Digital and Assistive Technologies for the Brain and Body. The May 15-16 gathering cohosted by NeuroDevNet and GRAND at the University of Victoria drew 60 clinicians, researchers, and representatives of government and industry. “This is one of the most exciting meetings I’ve been to because there’s so much cross-fertilization,” said attendee Lynda Thompson of the Biofeedback Institute of Toronto.
In Liberi, vigorous pedaling on speciallyadapted exercise machines powers customized videogames for kids with cerebral palsy (CP).
Keith Rozendal, 2012 NeuroDevNet/ Vancouver Sun journalism intern contributed reporting to this story. photos this page: Keith Rozendal