ReHabGame

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    ReHabGame: A Markerless, Game-Based Rehabilitation Program

  • IRAS ID

    356908

  • Contact name

    Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani

  • Contact email

    ss48@aru.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Anglia Ruskin University

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN10134617

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Many people with arm and shoulder problems, from Musculoskeletal (MSK), stroke, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis, or from injuries and surgery such as rotator cuff repair or “frozen” shoulder, find traditional exercise programmes repetitive, tiring, and hard to keep up with. ReHabGame is a new, camera-based system that turns physiotherapy exercises into fun, interactive games. It tracks your movements without the need for wires or wearable sensors, gives you instant feedback, and adjusts the challenge to your ability.

    In this study, we will invite adults with either neurological movement disorders or common shoulder conditions to participate in a six- to eight-week trial. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups:
    1. ReHabGame only (game sessions twice a week)

    2. Usual physiotherapy only (standard clinic exercises twice a week)

    3. Combined care (both game and physiotherapy sessions)

    Each participant will complete simple tests of arm strength, range of motion, pain levels, and day-to-day function before and after the programme, and again four weeks later. We will also ask everyone to complete short questionnaires about how easy and enjoyable the system is, and to report any discomfort or issues they may experience.

    Our goals are to find out whether ReHabGame is practical, safe, and motivating, and whether it helps people recover movement and reduce pain as well—or better—than standard therapy. The results will inform larger studies and may lead to new, engaging ways for people to perform their rehabilitation at home or in the clinic.

  • REC name

    East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/EE/0127

  • Date of REC Opinion

    3 Dec 2025

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion