Gaming therapy to improve wrist extension in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury

The aim of this study is to determine whether adapted gaming (Formula 1 racing) has a positive effect on wrist function in individuals with a spinal cord injury. This includes assessing aspects such as muscle strength, range of motion, and hand function, as measured during the performance of everyday tasks.

A high (cervical) spinal cord injury can result in the inability to actively move the fingers. However, individuals can still use the hand passively to grasp something by combining the gripping function of the fingers with wrist movement (dorsiflexion). To improve this function, patients undergo hand therapy. However, the "hand group" is often seen as boring, and the exercises can be exhausting. Gaming, on the other hand, is generally considered an enjoyable activity.

With adapted equipment, individuals with a high spinal cord injury can also engage in gaming. This study compares strength, range of motion, and wrist function after standard hand therapy versus a combination of hand therapy and Formula 1 gaming.