THE CONTRIBUTION OF GAMES TO UPPER LIMB REHABILITATION IN POST-STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) often affects the upper limbs, impairing patients' autonomy in daily activities. Games have proven to be an effective strategy in neurological rehabilitation by promoting motivation, repetition of movements and neuroplastic stimulation. In the physiotherapeutic context, their application contributes significantly to improving coordination, strength and functionality of the upper limbs in post-CVD patients. The central question that guides this study is: "Can game-based interventions improve upper limb rehabilitation in post-CVD patients, providing a faster response to treatment compared to other approaches, in addition to being economically viable?" Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of game-based interventions in the rehabilitation of the upper limbs of post- CVD patients. Methodology: This study is characterized as an integrative literature review. The following databases were used for data collection: Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (BVS); Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health of the USA (PubMed). Results: The results indicated that the use of games in upper limb rehabilitation in post-stroke patients promoted significant improvement in motor coordination, muscle strength, range of motion, and adherence to treatment, the playful interaction and visual feedback offered by the games favored engagement and continuity of therapies, reflecting in consistent functional gains. Conclusion: That games represent an effective and motivating complementary resource in neuromotor rehabilitation, enhancing the results of traditional physiotherapy, despite the positive evidence, further research is needed to standardize protocols and measure long-term effects to consolidate their clinical application.