Project uses online games to help stroke recovery

Bernie Kielty said the project "showed me I could live again"

A stroke survivor says he has gained more strength and independence with help from a research project at the University of Exeter.

Bernie Kielty, 74, from Whimple, Devon, has worked with academics for over a year using a bespoke online game to improve his mobility after a stroke six years ago left him unable to "use anything on my left-hand side".

The university research is exploring whether interactive games played on a computer or tablet at home is able to help people regain movement after a stroke.

Mr Kielty said he "changed overnight" after his stroke, but the programme "showed me I could live again" and even play with his grandchildren.

Hatem Lazem, a physiotherapist and academic researcher who is leading the study, said: "By combining non-immersive virtual reality technology with gamified exercises, we can make rehabilitation more motivating, engaging and easier to continue at home.

"The approach allows us to measure progress and encourage repeated movement, which is vital for rehabilitation."

Mr Kielty has been part of the study since 2024 and been in the University of Exeter's VSimulator so academics can use specialist motion capture technology to monitor movement and provide tailored exercises.

'Pure relief'

Mr Kielty said: "Before the stroke, I was as good as anybody; I was perfectly normal.

"After the stroke, it just changed overnight and I couldn't use anything on my left-hand side.

"The exercises I was given were something I could do at home, and I could see the progress.

"Opening a milk bottle may seem small to others, but, for me, it was pure relief. It showed me I could live again.

"The best part is being able to get down and play with my grandchildren – even though getting back up can be a struggle."

The University of Exeter research team said it was looking for more stroke survivors with movement difficulties to take part in the study.