A Framework for Real-Time Difficulty Adaptation of Interactive Systems for Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and training (e.g., wheelchair training for people with limited mobility) are an important step towards independent mobility and better quality of life. However, rehabilitation often requires engagement with lengthy and monotonous exercise routines, and interactive systems are a promising avenue to avoid patient drop-out. However, existing systems fall short of traditional approaches in terms of difficulty adjustment and scaffolding typically provided by the therapist. This project will contribute novel algorithms for real-time difficulty adaptation in interactive systems and games for rehabilitation using wheelchair training as an example, building on research on dynamic difficulty adjustment in games and connecting it with the requirements of clinical settings. Throughout, the project will complement theoretical considerations with empirical work, involving rehabilitation experts and patients as expert stakeholders as well as participants during the validation phase. Further, the project seeks to develop a framework that provides empirically grounded recommendations for the design and development of adaptive interactive rehabilitative systems, thereby laying the theoretical foundation for further research into technology-based rehabilitation.