Integrating vision-based head movement detection into a serious game towards game-based neck pain treatment

Abstract

Serious games extend beyond entertainment to applications like rehabilitation, enhancing patient motivation and therapy effectiveness. This project aims to develop a serious game for patients with cervicalgia, cervical osteoarthritis, or conditions affecting cervical mobility. Utilizing the classic Pac-Man game and a vision system detecting face orientation, Pac-Man's movement is controlled by the patient's head movements. This approach offers a significant advantage over conventional methods by objectively assessing patient progress through recorded quantitative variables. However, a potential drawback is patient fatigue or frustration if they struggle with the game. This can be mitigated by adjusting the game's difficulty to match the patient's abilities. The integration of serious games in rehabilitation provides an engaging way to perform exercises, potentially increasing adherence to therapy. By personalizing the game’s difficulty, patients can experience a tailored rehabilitation process that evolves with their improvement, ensuring the therapy remains challenging yet achievable. This adaptability not only promotes sustained engagement but also optimizes therapeutic outcomes.