Training of Cognitive Performance in Complex Tasks with a Tabletop-Based Rehabilitation System

As previously shown, tabletops can be used in neurorehabilitation to train different abilities that have been (temporarily) lost due to acquired brain injury, like motor skills or attention or visuo-constructive skills. However, complex skills like problem solving abilities have been considered only marginally in computer-based rehabilitation systems until now, partly because "complex skills" consist of a high number of distinct capabilities which makes it difficult to cover at least a large part. Nevertheless, the fun.tast.tisch. system has recently been extended by a module that aims at training complex skills. This paper describes therapeutic considerations underlying the design and implementation, discusses the interaction modalities used (e.g., the concept of pen-based interaction on tabletops in addition to touch and tangibles) and provides an overview on the module's interaction and graphic design. The module has already been tested with a small number of selected patients in the therapy setting. The findings of these initial tests are summarized and discussed.