Design and validation of PACTUS: A gamified electronic device for stroke rehabilitation

Background and Objective: Stroke remains a significant global concern, particularly as populations age and the incidence of stroke rises. Approximately one third of stroke survivors experience loss of autonomy, often leading to a decreased participation in rehabilitation due to economic, emotional, and social barriers. In response to these challenges, this study introduces PACTUS, an innovative gamified device designed for the rehabilitation of cognitive and motor functions in the upper limbs of patients with post-stroke. PACTUS aims to improve patient motivation and enable precise monitoring of rehabilitation progress by both therapists and patients. Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Neurosciences at the Red Cross Hospital in Cordoba, the device underwent a pilot pre-test phase with two neurological patients. An observational study was also conducted involving 30 volunteers, including healthy individuals and patients with various neurological disorders, to evaluate the safety, feasibility, acceptability, and potential utility of PACTUS in a broader clinical context. Preliminary findings suggest that PACTUS is a promising tool for stroke rehabilitation, offering a safe and cost-effective method to ensure accurate upper limb movement. Feedback from both patients and therapists highlighted areas of improvement and underscored the device’s capacity to adapt to different rehabilitation stages, affirming its broad application potential across diverse neurological conditions. •PACTUS merges gamification and tangible tools to enhance motor and cognitive recovery in stroke patients.•Developed with neuroscientists and engineers, PACTUS bridges clinical needs and technical innovation.•Pilot and observational studies validate usability and safety.•High patient motivation and usability suggest PACTUS’s potential in therapy.•PACTUS shows promise for broader neurorehabilitation applications in clinics and homes.•Findings suggest areas for improvement and the need for further research to optimize its design and functionality.