Product Review: The NeuroBall
Product Review: The NeuroBall
The NeuroBall from Neurofenix is a smart device that provides engaging stroke rehab exercise for your affected arm through playing games in the comfort of your own home. To use, strap your affected hand into the NeuroBall controller and play specially-designed video games on the app for Android tablets. You can complete hundreds of exercise repetitions, compete for high scores, and track your progress.
We have been excitedly following the progress of the product as it was developed alongside stroke survivors and therapists. We love to hear of innovative products that help fill the massive gaps in state-funded rehab by providing an affordable way to access engaging rehabilitation at home.
We were lucky enough to be supplied with a NeuroBall for review at Different Strokes HQ and we quickly found ourselves with a very eager tester- our very own Genise!
Genise’s First Impressions
Genise is 19 years post-stroke and has limited movement in her right arm and hand.
“I liked the look of the NeuroBall – it felt robust and good quality. I do wonder if replacement straps are available. Instructions on how to adjust the straps would have been great, as it took a bit of trial and error at first.
My colleague linked the ball up to the tablet which was fairly straightforward but will require a little technical knowledge. Calibration was easy – I just followed the straightforward instructions in the app. This has to be done at the start of each session.”
Day One
“I started on Day 1 by playing 3 games; Holiday Dash, Coin Frenzy and NeuroMan (which is like Pac Man). I really liked the motivational popups and words of congratulation.
Afterwards, I felt like I had actually done some exercise, my fingers felt stretched and fatigued and I could tell my upper arm had been doing some exercise. I was in no pain or discomfort – it may even tighten up those bingo wings! The app tells you how long you have been playing for and how many movements you made – which I found motivational too!”
Today I played for 23 minutes and made 774 hand movements
Day Two
“I didn’t feel any ill effects from yesterday. I started playing Pongoal, which required a lot of concentration. I enjoyed it, even though I wasn’t very good at it! Scuba Diving is my favourite, rolling my hand back and forth and side-to-side allowed me to exercise the parts I think needed improving. I also played Holiday Dash and found lifting the NeuroBall out of its cradle increased the intensity of the exercises. It’s challenging for me, but I love challenge!”
Today I played for 29 minutes and made 476 hand movements.
Day Three
“Space Shooters today – rolling from side to side with the occasional squeeze. The earlier levels were a bit slow for me but I soon found my spaceship being destroyed as I got to level 5! I am enjoying playing the variety different games.
My hand span feels like it is improving. I was a little achy after the session but soon recovered.”
Today I played 28 minutes and made 545 hand movements.
Day Four
“I played Scuba Diving, Holiday Dash and tried Solitaire but could not figure out how to pick up cards and move them. I would love a YouTube help video to show me how to use it as there isn’t a tutorial on the app. I went on to the Neurofenix website and used their customer support chat feature and within minutes I was talking to Alannah who was able to explain that Solitaire is the hardest game availible! I mentioned my thoughts on introducing instructional videos and she said this is something they are looking to develop. The customer support was good and quick which was handy to know. “
I have been busy today so only managed 23 minutes and 513 hand movements.
Day Five
“Today I played Scuba Diving. I found it a bit slow at first but as I progressed I enjoyed it more. It is great for concentration and stamina.
Next was a round of Holiday Dash. By level 2 it was much faster and more demanding – very enjoyable!
My hand and fingers were not aching as much this time, post-exercise.
I just realised that over 5 days I had played for 132 minutes and moved my hand 2899 times more than I normally would!”
Today I played for 26 minutes and made 591 hand movements
Day Six
“I played Scuba Diving at the hardest level, Holiday Dash level 3 and Pongoal level 2. All the games were good fun. My hand fatigued quite quickly but I almost made it to the magic 45 minutes and played at a higher level than on the previous day.”
I played for 43 minutes and made 1,095 hand movements
Day Seven
“I played Scuba Dive, Pongoal, Holiday Dash, Coin Frenzy – still can’t get Solitaire.”
I played for 47 minutes and made 1266 hand movements.
Genise's review:
“I would like to thank Neurofenix for giving me the opportunity to try this gadget for the week. I am 19+ years post-stroke now and wonder how it would have helped me if this tech was available soon after my stroke.
On the whole, the Neuroball was easy to use but not all the games have tutorials so, as a non-gamer, I may have been slower than others to pick up the skills needed. Instructional videos would be very useful, especially as not all the games have in-game tutorials. I think this would be of particular benefit to people with Aphasia.
My wrist position is something I would love to work on for longer as, after only a week of using the device, I feel I am resting it in a more natural position. I think everyday use would really make a difference the mobility of my affected arm and hand.”
