Victus Exergame: An Approach to Rehabilitation of Amputees Based in Serious Game

Rafael Luz Melo; Vítor da Silva Moreira; Érico Marcelo Hoff do Amaral; Julio S. Domingues Júnior

doi:10.5753/jis.2025.4194

Authors

Rafael Luz Melo Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0082-3620
Vítor da Silva Moreira Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4698-9238
Érico Marcelo Hoff do Amaral Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3032-878X
Julio S. Domingues Júnior Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8615-5481

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2025.4194

Keywords:

Physical Rehabilitation, Embedded Systems, Serious Game, Game Health, Exergame

Abstract

This article describes a solution that aims to make the process of physical rehabilitation more attractive for amputees through a solution based on medical informatics and gamification through a serious game. Addressing the challenges faced by individuals with lower limb amputations during physiotherapy — such as trauma, pain, and lack of motivation — this work introduces a serious game that incorporates an embedded sensor system with microcontrollers to a stationary bike. That system serves as both the game controller and a set of biological monitors, alongside a physiotherapy tool that displays the data obtained during sessions for the therapists to track patient progress. Developed through a participatory design approach involving patients and therapists, the system collects data on user engagement, physiological responses, and performance metrics via sensors and feedback forms. By fostering a relaxed and immersive treatment environment, the approach seeks to improve the effectiveness of physiotherapy. Initial experiments demonstrated that this solution holds promise in creating a more playful and motivating physical rehabilitation environment.

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