ROMO

ROMO is a shoulder gaming device designed for stroke rehabilitation.

In contrast to traditional methods, Romo changes the repetitive nature of these exercises into an engaging pinball game. This portable gaming device also allows patients to exercise on the go. The holes allow patients to adjust the difficulty level.

After volunteering in a stroke club for 1 year, I found out that stroke rehabilitation is a very frustrating topic to them because the rehabilitation experience is long. Most of the elderly were unable to show progression, and they were unable to continue the rehabilitation in the centers. The home rehab devices are repetitive and patients are not motivated to continue exercising. There is an opportunity to re-design the home rehab devices. Romo is unique because their caregiver is able to adjust the difficulty level through the weight system and maze track. The ball catcher allowed her to increase the difficulty level in resistance training. The different holes on the ball catcher provide another affordance. The closer holes will hook the ball catch and allow it to hold in position. The lower holes allow the ball catcher to slide down easily, thus it is better for patients with stronger upper extremity muscle.

I hope that Romo continues to be their companion to support them to perform shoulder exercise through a pinball game.