Gamification of Physical Therapy to Promote Adherence

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Jesse Sestito

College

Engineering

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential components of recovery, yet patient adherence is often limited by low motivation and the repetitive nature of prescribed exercises. Similar challenges are observed in general fitness, where individuals are more likely to engage in physical activity when it is paired with goal-setting, feedback, and enjoyable experiences. Prior work, such as gamified fitness systems (e.g., Wii Fit), has demonstrated the potential of utilizing games to increase user engagement and consistency. In this work, the application of gamification principles to rehabilitation is examined by designing an interactive game that utilizes a balance board as an input device. The objective of this research is to enhance patient motivation and adherence by transforming standard physical therapy exercises into an engaging, game-based experience. The design process incorporated both clinical considerations, ensuring that in-game movements align with recommended rehabilitation exercises, and psychological principles related to motivation and behavior. Using the Godot Engine 4, a game was developed to integrate the physical requirements of rehabilitation and the psychological factors that influence patient motivation. The system was designed to promote adherence to prescribed recovery activities by aligning therapeutic movements with engaging gameplay mechanics. By combining clinical functionality with interactive design, this work aims to enhance user experience, making rehabilitation exercises more enjoyable, accessible, and sustainable over time. Overall, the resultant framework demonstrates how integrating game mechanics with therapeutic movement can provide a more engaging alternative to traditional rehabilitation methods, with the potential to improve consistency, user experience, and overall recovery outcomes.

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