Design guidelines for developing customised serious games for parkinson's disease rehabilitation using bespoke game sensors

The research presented in this paper proposes a set of design guidelines in the context of a Parkinson's Disease (PD) rehabilitation design framework for the development of serious games for the physical therapy of people with PD. The game design guidelines provided in the paper are informed by the study of the literature review and lessons learned from the pilot testing of serious games designed to suit the requirements of rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson's Disease. The proposed PD rehabilitation design framework employed for the games pilot testing utilises a low-cost, customized and off-the-shelf motion capture system (employing commercial game controllers) developed to cater for the unique requirement of the physical therapy of people with PD. Although design guidelines have been proposed before for the design of serious games in health, this is the first research paper to present guidelines for the design of serious games specifically for PD motor rehabilitation.

The Development of TASTER, a Cognitive Training Game Using Human-Centered Design, Tailored for Children with Global and Specific Cognitive Impairments

Children with Prader-Willi syndrome often exhibit challenging behavior in response to changes to routine. This phenomenon has been linked to a deficit in task switching ability which has been observed in children with the syndrome. TASTER is a cognitive training game which is being designed with input from a group of children with Prader- Willi syndrome, which aims to train task switching ability and thus reduce associated challenging behavior.

Hybrid cluster state proposal for a quantum game

We propose an experimental implementation of a quantum game algorithm in a hybrid scheme combining the quantum circuit approach and the cluster state model. An economical cluster configuration is suggested to embody a quantum version of the Prisoners' Dilemma. Our proposal is shown to be within the experimental state of the art and can be realized with existing technology. The effects of relevant experimental imperfections are also carefully examined.

Reflecting the Public Value of Sport: A game of two halves

This article draws on qualitative research that explores the concept of public value in the delivery of sport services by the organization Sport England. The research took place against a backdrop of shifting priorities following the award of the 2012 Olympic Games to London. It highlights the difficulties that exist in measuring the qualitative nature of the public value of sport and suggests there is a need to understand better the idea. Research with organizations involved alongside Sport England in the delivery of sport is described. This explores the potential to create a public value vision, how to measure it and how to focus public value on delivery beyond the aim of ‘sport for sports sake’ and more towards ‘sport for the greater good’. The article argues that this represents a game of ‘two halves’ in which the first half focuses on 2012 with the second half concerned with its legacy.

Resting energy expenditure in non-ventilated, non-sedated patients recovering from serious traumatic brain injury: Comparison of prediction equations with indirect calorimetry values

Background & aims: Little is known about energy requirements in brain injured (TBI) patients, despite evidence suggesting adequate nutritional support can improve clinical outcomes. The study aim was to compare predicted energy requirements with measured resting energy expenditure (REE) values, in patients recovering from TBI.

Methods: Indirect calorimetry (IC) was used to measure REE in 45 patients with TBI. Predicted energy requirements were determined using FAO/WHO/UNU and Harris–Benedict (HB) equations. Bland– Altman and regression analysis were used for analysis.

Results: One-hundred and sixty-seven successful measurements were recorded in patients with TBI. At an individual level, both equations predicted REE poorly. The mean of the differences of standardised areas of measured REE and FAO/WHO/UNU was near zero (9 kcal) but the variation in both directions was substantial (range 591 to þ573 kcal). Similarly, the differences of areas of measured REE and HB demonstrated a mean of 1.9 kcal and range 568 to þ571 kcal. Glasgow coma score, patient status, weight and body temperature were signi?cant predictors of measured REE (p < 0.001; R²⁼ 0.47).

Conclusions: Clinical equations are poor predictors of measured REE in patients with TBI. The variability in REE is substantial. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of prediction equations when estimating energy requirements in TBI patients.