Novel gamified system for post-stroke upper-limb rehabilitation using a social robot: focus groups of expert clinicians

Abstract

We developed a novel gamified system for stroke upper limb rehabilitation using the humanoid robot Pepper (SoftBank, Aldebaran). In this paper, we present the results of a qualitative study with expert clinicians (n=12) on the compatibility of this system with the needs of post-stroke patients. We conducted three focus groups (3–6 participants in each group) in three rehabilitation centers. The clinicians in the focus groups found both the robot and the gamified system engaging and motivating for stroke patients’ rehabilitation, and gave specific recommendations that may be applicable to a wide range of technologies for post-stroke rehabilitation.