AN ADAPTIVE SYSTEM TO ASSIST STROKE PATIENT REHABILITATION USING WEARABLE SENSORS AND INTERACTIVE GAMES

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often leaving survivors with impaired hand motor function. Traditional rehabilitation can be repetitive, expensive, and disengaging, leading to poor adherence. To address this, we developed a wearable rehabilitation system that integrates flex sensors with a gamified piano-based therapy application. The device uses Bluetooth Low Energy and UART communication to provide real-time feedback as patients perform therapy through a music game, promoting neuroplasticity and engagement. Our system was tested through two experiments: one assessed sensor accuracy, achieving a 97% detection rate, while the other measured user engagement, showing increased session time and motivation over a 10-day trial. Compared to robotic rehabilitation and conventional music therapy, our solution is low-cost, portable, and self-guided, making it suitable for home use. By combining wearable technology with interactive therapy, this project provides an accessible method for stroke patients to improve fine motor recovery outside clinical settings.