For families
What the research says, in plain words
You don't need a research degree to understand where this stands. Here is an honest, plain-English summary of what the science says about games in therapy — and trusted places to learn more.
The honest short version
Games are a promising and growing tool that therapists add to therapy. They are not a cure, and they do not replace a therapist, a doctor, or hands-on treatment. Used well, they give a person more of the right practice in a form they actually enjoy — which often means they do more of it.
What the biggest study found
The largest review so far looked at 190 studies and more than 7,000 adults recovering from a stroke. When games were added on top of usual therapy, people probably regained more movement in their arm and hand, and any side effects were few and mild. The important word is added: the benefit came from extra practice, not from a game replacing therapy.1
What the profession itself says
Occupational therapy's own 2023 practice guidelines call game-based methods promising but still emerging: the strongest evidence today is still for traditional, hands-on methods. We agree, and we say so plainly — games are a helpful tool inside skilled therapy, not a proven treatment on their own.2
Where games are being explored
Therapists use games to work on different kinds of skills. In everyday terms:
- Thinking skills — attention, memory, and planning, practiced through games that ask for quick decisions.
- Movement — reaching, gripping, and posture, practiced through motion-controlled games.
- Sticking with exercise — making repetitive practice less boring, so people keep going.
- Motivation and connection — confidence, engagement, and time spent with others through play.
These are areas of active use and study, described here as supportive — not as a treatment for any specific condition.
Trusted places to learn more
If you want to make games playable for your loved one, these are good, independent starting points.
Adaptive controllers you can buy
- Xbox Adaptive Controller ↗ — Microsoft.
- Sony Access Controller ↗ — Sony (PS5).
- Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit ↗ — Logitech.
Help getting set up
- AbleGamers ↗ — A charity that helps people with disabilities find the right setup to play.
- SpecialEffect ↗ — A UK charity that tailors controllers and eye-tracking so anyone can play.
- Game Accessibility Guidelines ↗ — A plain reference for which games include which accessibility features.
- Can I Play That? ↗ — Accessibility-focused game reviews, by disabled gamers.
Please read this. The Rehab Arcade provides educational information and resources. It does not provide occupational therapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed occupational therapist or physician about your specific situation. If something is urgent or you're worried about someone's safety, contact a doctor or emergency services.
Sources
- Laver KE, et al. Virtual reality and interactive video gaming for stroke rehabilitation (Cochrane Review, update), 2025. Read the review ↗
- AOTA. Practice Guidelines: Adults with stroke (AJOT), 2023. Read the guideline ↗
Prefer the clinician's version, with full citation cards? See the evidence library. Or head back to the family guide.