Development and evaluation of an interactive electronic game for the learning process of the treatment of children and adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

This paper aims to present the development and evaluation process of an interactive video game created to promote the construction of knowledge about the rehabilitation program of children and adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The game content data collection was done by brainstorming with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals (physiotherapists and occupational therapists) and patients with DMD. Data were analyzed and separated into three categories: genetic, pathophysiology and stretching programs. This information was transformed into a storyboard and a team of engineers made the programming and implementation of the game. Lastly, the electronic game was tested by DMD patients by a pre-post-game questionnaire. The results showed an increase in the repertoire related to rehabilitation after they played the game. The interactive electronic game DuchsVille was created, evaluated and was able to be used as a tool of information technology applicable to favor processes of teaching and learning about rehabilitation aspects of DMD, bringing the technical and scientific logic of health care providers closer to the logic of common sense of the population.