Exeter stroke survivors invited to join new rehabilitation study using game-based therapy

Stroke survivors across Exeter and the wider region are being invited to take part in a new University of Exeter study testing whether gaming technology can support long-term rehabilitation at home.

The research team is examining whether turning physiotherapy movements into simple online games can help people regain arm and upper-body function, even many years after a stroke. 

Stroke affects around 100,000 people in the UK each year, with more than 1.2 million people living with its long-term effects. 

Around 70 per cent experience lasting upper-limb impairment, and many face limited access to ongoing physiotherapy once they leave hospital.

One of those already taking part is 74-year-old Bernie Kielty from Whimple in East Devon. Bernie experienced a stroke six years ago that left the left side of his body significantly weakened. 

After hospital treatment and a short period of home physiotherapy, progress slowed, and daily tasks such as tying shoelaces or lifting his grandchild became difficult.

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Bernie said the lack of long-term support left him unsure how to continue rehabilitation: “After I had a stroke, I worried my life would get smaller. Being part of the research has given me confidence again.”

“The exercises, the support and the new technology has helped me stay independent, stay myself, and it feels good knowing what I'm doing here might help others in future.”

He was introduced to the new study in 2024 and began using the University’s VSimulator motion-capture facility before completing regular home-based game exercises, including virtual basketball and a flower-picking activity designed to encourage repeated arm movements.

The study is led by physiotherapist and researcher Hatem Lazem. He said early findings show that game-based rehabilitation can help maintain motivation and support gradual improvements: “Our research helps people stay active and independent even after serious health challenges. Every contribution advances science, helping thousands of people live healthier lives.”

Bernie said having personalised guidance made a significant difference: “Hatem is very interested in people. He's concerned about people's welfare, trying to help people along.” 

“When I left the hospital, I wasn't given any instructions at all – you just have to fend for yourself. But knowing there's somebody there helping you makes a lot of difference.”

Hatem added that combining non-immersive virtual-reality tools with gamified exercises allows the team to track progress and encourage the repetition essential for rehabilitation.

Professor Helen Dawes, rehabilitation theme lead at the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, said the project aims to address gaps in long-term rehabilitation support: “Rehabilitation is effective, but NHS programmes can be difficult to access or may not continue long enough.” 

“We’re looking for people whose movement has been restricted by stroke to join us. Our goal is to make these exercises widely available to help people remain engaged in their recovery.”

The study is supported by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Sustainable Development, the Medical Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Egyptian government.

Stroke survivors in Exeter and surrounding areas who experience reduced arm movement are now being encouraged to register their interest.