Guitar Hero helps prosethic research

A tweaked version of Guitar Hero is helping researchers and patients perfect prosethic technology.

Video games have been used as physical rehabilitation for a while now, but researchers at John Hopkins University have taken it one step further by modifying a Guitar Hero controller to assist in prosthetic research.

The modified controller comes with the game, of course, and has actually allowed amputees to play the game surprisingly well. Using only the electrical signals from their residual muscles, patients have been able to complete “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” with perfect accuracy.

Being able to properly calibrate mechanical limbs to respond correctly is an arduous process, so using Guitar Hero makes it more entertaining for everyone involved. It’s a great example of how gaming can be used for good, and a positive glimpse into the future.

Source: The Escapist