RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Level Up! Adaptive Gaming for Children With Upper Limb Differences

This study, called "Level Up!", is exploring a new adapter for video game controllers designed for children aged 7 to 17 who have a difference in one of their arms or hands. The main goal is to see if this adapter makes playing video games easier and more fun for them. Researchers want to know if the children's gaming skills improve and if they enjoy playing more when using the adapter. Children taking part will answer questions about their limb difference and gaming habits. They'll learn how to use the adapter and try playing `Minecraft` with it. They then take the adapter home for a week to practise and record their experiences, before coming back to share what they thought and show how their gaming has improved.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Manitoba

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Upper Limb Amputation at the Wrist Pediatric Upper Limb Amputation Upper Limb Amputation at the Hand Amniotic Band Syndrome Upper Limb Amputation Below Elbow (Injury)

What is this study about?

This research is looking at a new gadget called a one-handed video game controller adapter. It's for children and teenagers, aged 7 to 17, who have a difference in one of their arms or hands. This could be something they were born with, an injury, or other reasons that affect how their arm or hand works. The main idea behind this study is to find out if this special adapter can help these young people play video games more easily and have more fun while doing it.

Imagine you love playing video games, but one of your hands or arms makes it tricky to use a standard controller. This adapter is designed to help. The researchers want to know two main things: first, does using this adapter help children play games better? And second, does it make playing games more enjoyable and satisfying for them?

This study is important because it could help make video games more accessible and enjoyable for many young people with an arm or hand difference. If the adapter works well, it could open up new ways for them to connect with friends, develop skills, and simply have fun, just like any other child. It's all about levelling up their gaming experience!

Key takeaways

A study for children aged 7-17 with a one-sided arm or hand difference.
Investigates a special adapter for video game controllers.
Aims to see if the adapter improves gaming performance and enjoyment.
Involves two short visits and using the adapter at home for one week.
Participants can keep the adapter if they wish.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and teenagers between 7 and 17 years old. They need to have an arm or hand difference that affects only one side of their body. This difference can be for any reason, like something they were born with or from an injury, and it can affect any part of their arm or hand.

To take part, children must be able to understand and follow instructions in English. It's okay if they've used a prosthetic limb before or not. They also need to live in or near Winnipeg, Canada, or be able to travel there for two appointments. If a child is younger than 7 or older than 17, has differences in both arms or hands, can't speak English, or can't travel to the appointments, then this study isn't suitable for them.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 7 and 17 years old?
Do you have an arm or hand difference on only one side of your body?
Can you understand and speak English?
Are you able to travel to Winnipeg for two appointments?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have two appointments at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children in Winnipeg. At the first appointment, you'll answer some questions about yourself, your arm or hand difference, and your video game experiences. A team member will then show you how to use the special adapter and how to play the game `Minecraft` using it. You'll try playing with and without the adapter so the researchers can see how you get on.

After this, you'll take the adapter and an Xbox console (if you don't already have one) home for one week. During this week, you'll be asked to use the adapter every day and keep a simple record of your experiences. After the week, you'll come back for a second appointment. Here, you'll play `Minecraft` again with and without the adapter so the researchers can see if you've improved. Finally, you'll have a chat about what you thought of the adapter. You can keep the adapter if you like, but if you borrowed an Xbox, you'll need to return it. The total time for the study involving you will be around one week between the two appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. For example, you might find that the adapter improves your ability to play video games and makes them more enjoyable. This could open up new ways for you to have fun and connect with others. You'll also be helping researchers understand how to make video games more accessible for young people with arm or hand differences. The risks are very low; you might feel a little tired or frustrated if you find it hard to use the adapter at first, but the team will be there to help you. Remember, you can decide to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Rehabilitation Centre for Children
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of games can I play with the adapter?

The study uses `Minecraft` to test the adapter, but it's designed for use with an Xbox controller and should work with many games.

Do I need my own Xbox console?

Not necessarily. If you don't have one, the study can lend you an Xbox with a controller for the week you take the adapter home.

How many times do I need to visit the centre?

You will need to visit the Rehabilitation Centre for Children twice over the course of the study.

Can I keep the adapter after the study?

Yes, if you wish, you will have the opportunity to keep the adapter after you've completed the study.

What if I can't play video games very well?

That's okay! The study is looking at how the adapter helps, so you don't need to be an expert gamer to take part.

How to find out more

Elizabeth Hammond, PT, PhD

ehammond@rccinc.ca 204-451-5702 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.