GestureTek
What you need to know
GestureTek is a company based in Silicon Valley, California. They specialise in interactive technology, with their trademark creation being their gesture recognition technology. They have used this technology as the basis of 2 virtual reality game products that have seen use in rehabilitation.
IREX uses a camera to place an image of a patient onto a screen, where their movements can be used to interact with elements in a variety of games. These games are designed to elicit movements that are therapeutic to a variety of deficits encountered in neurological and ageing populations. An external program can be used to change the parameters of the games, tailoring them to individual patients so that the remain challenging and engaging.
GestureXtreme works in an identical way to IREX, but is marketed as an immersive video gaming system rather than for therapy.
Intended Patient Population
Being identical, both IREX and GestureXtreme have the same effects for patients. The GestureTek website does not indicate specific patient populations for their products, but rather gives the following areas where their products may be beneficial:
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Balance
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Flexion
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Rotation
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Abduction
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Leaning
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Crouching
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Stair stepping
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Exertion
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Fine motor control
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Timing
A search for evidence revealed that these products have been tested in the following neurological populations:
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Stroke
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Cerebral Palsy
Evidence
Stroke
Virtual reality exercise improves mobility after stroke: an inpatient randomized controlled trial.
McEwen, Taillon-Hobson, Bilodeau, Sveistrup, Finestone., 2014
RCT PEDro: 3/10
Technology: IREX
Deficits Targeted: Static/dynamic balance and gait parameters
Song et al., 2014
RCT PEDro: 4/10
Technology: IREX
Deficits Targeted: Static/dynamic balance and falls
Kim, Jang, Kim, Jung, & You., 2009
RCT PEDro: 6/10
Technology: IREX
Deficits Targeted: Static/dynamic balance and gait parameters
Cerebral Palsy
Mills, Levac, & Sveistrup., 2018
CT PEDro: Unavailable
Technology: IREX
Deficits Targeted: Postural control and dynamic balance
The use of virtual reality with children with cerebral palsy: a pilot randomized trial.
Reid, & Campbell., 2006
RCT PEDro: 4/10
Technology: GestureXtreme
Deficits Targeted: Occupational performance and upper limb function
Reid., 2002
RCT PEDro: 4/10
Technology: GestureXtreme
Deficits Targeted: Seated postural control
Interested?
No price is available for either the IREX or GestureXtreme products without a private enquiry to GestureTek on their website.