| Project: |
Development of a Virtual Reality Computer Game to Complement Occupational Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy |
|
| Student Researchers: |
Madeline Smith, |
|
| Advisor: |
Sharon Stansfield |
|
| Institution: |
Ithaca College |
|
| Webpage: |
The goal of our project is to design and implement a Virtual Reality (VR) computer game which complements occupational therapy (OT) of children aged five to seven suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP). CP is a neurological condition caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. While there is no cure for CP, Occupational Therapy can improve a child's lifestyle. Occupational therapy can be boring, frustrating, and painful for children. We feel that use of a VR game will better motivate children to participate in and enjoy therapy. We will focus on the design and development of the game, which will require players to move their arms in motions similar to those encouraged by occupational therapists. It will combine the fun and excitement of a game with the benefits of OT.