Motor cortical inactivation impairs corrective submovements in mice performing a hold-still center-out reach task.

Holding still and aiming reaches to spatial targets may depend on distinct neural circuits. Using automated homecage training and a sensitive joystick, we trained freely moving mice to contact a joystick, hold their forelimb still, and then reach to rewarded target locations. Mice learned the task by initiating forelimb sequences with clearly resolved submillimeter-scale micromovements followed by millimeter-scale reaches to learned spatial targets. Hundreds of thousands of trajectories were decomposed into millions of kinematic submovements, while photoinhibition was used to test roles of motor cortical areas. Inactivation of both caudal and rostral forelimb areas preserved the ability to produce aimed reaches, but reduced reach speed. Inactivation specifically of contralateral caudal forelimb area (CFA) additionally impaired the ability to aim corrective submovements to remembered locations following target undershoots. Our findings show that motor cortical inactivations reduce the gain of forelimb movements but that inactivation specifically of contralateral CFA impairs corrective movements important for reaching a target location.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To test the role of different cortical areas in holding still and reaching to targets, this study combined home-cage training with optogenetic silencing as mice engaged in a learned center-out-reach task. Inactivation specifically of contralateral caudal forelimb area (CFA) impaired corrective movements necessary to reach spatial targets to earn reward.

Human brain dynamics dissociate early perceptual and late motor-related stages of affordance processing.

Affordances, the opportunities for action offered by the environment to an agent, are vital for meaningful behaviour and exist in every interaction with the environment. There is an ongoing debate in the field about whether the perception of affordances is an automated process. Some studies suggest that affordance perception is an automated process that is independent from the visual context and bodily interaction with the environment, whereas others argue that it is modulated by the visual and motor context in which affordances are perceived. The present paper aims to resolve this debate by examining affordance automaticity from the perspective of sensorimotor time windows. To investigate the impact of different forms of bodily interactions with an environment, that is, the movement context (physical vs. joystick movement), we replicated a previous study on affordance perception in which participants actively moved through differently wide doors in an immersive 3D virtual environment. In the present study, we displayed the same environment on a 2D screen with participants moving through doors of different widths using the keys on a standard keyboard. We compared components of the event-related potential (ERP) from the continuously recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) that were previously reported to be related to affordance perception of architectural transitions (passable and impassable doors). Comparing early sensory and later motor-related ERPs, our study replicated ERPs reflecting early affordance perception but found differences in later motor-related components. These results indicate a shift from automated perception of affordances during early sensorimotor time windows to movement context dependence of affordance perception at later stages, suggesting that affordance perception is a dynamic and flexible process that changes over sensorimotor stages.

Visually induced involuntary arm, head, and torso movements.

We explored in 75 s long trials the effects of visually induced self-rotation and displacement (SR&D) on the horizontally extended right arm of standing subjects (N = 12). A "tool condition" was included in which subjects held a long rod. The extent of arm movement was contingent on whether the arm was extended out Freely or Pointing at a briefly proprioceptively specified target position. The results were nearly identical when subjects held the rod. Subjects in the Free conditions showed significant unintentional arm deviations, averaging 55° in the direction opposite the induced illusory self-motion. Deviations in the Pointing conditions were on average a fifth of those in the Free condition. Deviations of head and torso positions also occurred in all conditions. Total arm and head deviations were the sum of deviations of the arm and head with respect to the torso and deviations of the torso with respect to space. Pointing subjects were able to detect and correct for arm and head deviations with respect to the torso but not for the arm and head deviations with respect to space due to deviations of the torso. In all conditions, arm, head, and torso deviations began before subjects experienced SR&D. We relate our findings to being an extension of the manual following response (MFR) mechanism to influence passive arm control and arm target maintenance as well. Visual-vestibular convergence at vestibular nuclei cells and multiple cortical movement related areas can explain our results, MFR results, and classical Pass Pointing. We distinguish two Phases in the induction of SR&D. In Phase 1, the visual stimulation period prior to SR&D onset, the arm, head, and torso deviations are first apparent, circa < 1 s after stimulus begins. They are augmented at the onset of Phase 2 that starts when SR&D is first sensed. In Phase 2, reaching movements first show curved paths that are compensatory for the Coriolis forces that would be generated on the reaching arm were subjects actually physically rotating. These movement deviations are in the opposite direction to the MFR and the arm, head, and torso deviations reported here. Our results have implications for vehicle control in environments that can induce illusory self motion and displacement.

Fast and Fun: A Pilot Feasibility Study Using Dual Joystick-Operated Ride-on Toys for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Children with Hemiplegia.

AIM: Our study investigates the feasibility and utility of implementing a dual joystick-operated ride-on-toy navigation training (RNT) program within a 3-week intensive camp based on principles of modified constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual training, to improve upper extremity (UE) function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). METHODS: We employed a single-group pretest posttest, mixed methods study design. Eleven 4-to-10-year-old children with UCP received RNT as part of camp activities. Sessions required children to use both arms together for navigation and completing gross and fine motor UE challenges. We collected exit questionnaires from children, caregivers, and clinicians to assess the feasibility, acceptance, enjoyment, and perceived efficacy of RNT. Videos of training sessions were coded using Datavyu behavioral coding software to assess children's facial expressions and affective states, indicative of their level of engagement during intervention sessions. RESULTS: We found high levels of child engagement during RNT sessions based on video data and stakeholder feedback. The RNT program was smoothly integrated into the camp. Stakeholders acknowledged the highly motivating nature of RNT. When combined with other camp activities, the program led to stakeholder-reported improvements in bimanual skills and spontaneous daily use of the affected UE. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study provides promising evidence for using joystick-operated ride-on toys as engaging therapy adjuncts. Our findings call for future studies to systematically assess the efficacy of these devices in improving UE function among children with UCP.

Steganography in IoT: Information Hiding with Joystick and Touch Sensors.

This paper describes a multi-secret steganographic system for the Internet-of-Things. It uses two user-friendly sensors for data input: thumb joystick and touch sensor. These devices are not only easy to use, but also allow hidden data entry. The system conceals multiple messages into the same container, but with different algorithms. The embedding is realized with two methods of video steganography that work on mp4 files, namely, videostego and metastego. These methods were chosen because of their low complexity so that they may operate smoothly in environments with limited resources. It is possible to replace the suggested sensors with others that offer similar functionality.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: An indirect reduction using joystick technique.

BACKGROUND: A minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique has become increasingly popular in long bone fracture fixation as it could eliminate postoperative complications. However, the most challenging aspect of employing the MIPO for midshaft clavicle fractures among general orthopedic surgeons is the technically demanding that indirect reduction is typically a closed maneuver. METHODS: We present a consecutive series of patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures undergoing clavicular fixation using the MIPO technique between January 2017 and October 2019. The joystick technique was used to obtain anatomical reduction. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley and the American shoulder and elbow surgeons shoulder scores. RESULTS: Thirty patients with a mean age of 42.44 years were included. The functional shoulder scores showed no disabilities compared with those of a healthy population. No major complications requiring re-operation were noted, and all fractures were completely healed with an average time of 12.53 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that facilitating the MIPO for midshaft clavicle fractures using simple operative devices and techniques was possible. The joystick technique with the use of an external fixator for temporary stabilization is a safe and effective method that can be added to achieve anatomical alignment with the fracture site unexposed. This technique could be performed either in a fresh fracture or a delayed case with failed conservative treatment.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of a Joystick-Guided Robotic Scope Holder Compared to That of Human Scopists: A Prospective Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare motions of the laparoscope tip during a laparoscopic task in a training box using a recent joystick-guided robotic scope holder to those manipulated by human scopists. We hypothesized that laparoscopic manipulation could be positively affected by robotic scope holders due to the elimination of unintentional movement. METHODS: Twelve surgeons participated as operators, and eight medical doctors participated in this study. Among the human scopists, five were trained surgeons and three were novices who had no experience with laparoscopic surgery. A validated laparoscopic task was used to evaluate the path length of the laparoscope tip using an optical position tracker and operative time. The operators performed the designated camera task under three different laparoscopic manipulations: using a joystick-guided robotic scope holder, expert human scopists, and novice scopists. RESULTS: The median path lengths (cm) of the laparoscopic tip were 94.0, 110.0, and 122.2 in the robotic scope holder, expert, and novice groups, respectively. The path lengths in the robotic scope holder group were significantly shorter than those in the other groups (P < .01). The median operative times (seconds) were 136.6, 66.4, and 62.3 in the robotic scope holder, expert, and novice groups, respectively. The operative time of the robotic scope holder group was significantly longer than that of the other groups (P < .001). CONCLUSION: A robotic scope holder can provide shorter camera movement owing to the stable holding and intentional scope manipulation by the operator, although it requires a longer operative time than a human assistant.

Evaluation of flexible ureteroscope with an omni-directional bending tip, using a JOYSTICK unit (URF-Y0016): an ex-vivo study.

PURPOSE: To compare the range of reach of our newly designed omni-directional ureteroscope (URF-Y0016), compared to the commonly used URF-P6, FlexX2s, and LithoVue™ scopes, in the upper, middle, and lower calyces in an ex-vivo pyelocaliceal model. METHODS: We fabricated a three-dimensional pyelocaliceal model of the upper, middle, and lower pole calyces using urethane and acrylic resin. The inner surface of the dome of each calyx was engraved with reference lines along eight directions, set at 10° of latitude from the top to the base of the dome, and at angles of 0-90°, to precisely determine the range of reach of each scope. The main feature of the URF-Y0016 scope is the omni-directional bending of the tip of the flexible ureteroscope, with the control of these four directions integrated into a handgun-type control unit with a joystick. The range of reach within each calyx was measured by four expert surgeons. RESULTS: The URF-Y0016 scope provided a greater range of reach along all directions in the lower pole calyx compared to URF-P6, FlexX2s, and LithoVue™ scopes (p < 0.001), particularly along the anterior-posterior direction in the lower lobe calyx. However, the URF-Y0016 scope did not influence the improvement of reach range in the upper and middle pole calyx compared to URF-P6, FlexX2s, and LithoVue™ scopes (p = 0.08, p = 0.296). CONCLUSION: The novel design of the URF-Y0016 could improve treatment outcomes for calyceal stones in the lower pole in practice.

Comparison of different response devices to assess behavioral tendencies towards chocolate in the approach-avoidance task.

Behavioral tendencies in the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) have mostly been assessed using a joystick as a response device. In recent years, other hardware devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computer mice have also been used. However, it remains unclear whether different response devices yield similar results and show comparable psychometric properties. The aim of the present study was to assess approach biases towards chocolate with different response devices and to compare their reliability and validity. Forty-five individuals with regular chocolate consumption completed three different AATs (joystick, computer mouse, touchscreen), each comprised of two blocks. In the compatible block of trials, chocolate-related pictures had to be pulled near while object-related pictures had to be pushed away. In the incompatible block of trials, instructions were reversed. Preregistered analyses revealed that participants were faster to pull than to push chocolate-related pictures relative to object-related pictures, indicating an approach bias for chocolate with no significant differences between response devices. Correlations among the three response devices were low to medium. Exploratory analyses revealed that approach biases were moderated by block order such that biases were only present and associated with craving (joystick AAT only) when the incongruent block was completed first. Internal consistencies of the bias score ranged between rSB = 0.67-0.76. Results of the present study point to the existence of an approach bias to chocolate regardless of response device, albeit each task seems to measure a different aspect of it. Order effects point to specific temporal dynamics in the acquisition of stimulus response (e.g., chocolate-pull) mappings that require further study.

Semi-Remote Gait Assistance Interface: A Joystick with Visual Feedback Capabilities for Therapists.

The constant growth of pathologies affecting human mobility has led to developing of different assistive devices to provide physical and cognitive assistance. Smart walkers are a particular type of these devices since they integrate navigation systems, path-following algorithms, and user interaction modules to ensure natural and intuitive interaction. Although these functionalities are often implemented in rehabilitation scenarios, there is a need to actively involve the healthcare professionals in the interaction loop while guaranteeing safety for them and patients. This work presents the validation of two visual feedback strategies for the teleoperation of a simulated robotic walker during an assisted navigation task. For this purpose, a group of 14 clinicians from the rehabilitation area formed the validation group. A simple path-following task was proposed, and the feedback strategies were assessed through the kinematic estimation error (KTE) and a usability survey. A KTE of 0.28 m was obtained for the feedback strategy on the joystick. Additionally, significant differences were found through a Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test for the perception of behavior and confidence towards the joystick according to the modes of interaction (p-values of 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). The use of visual feedback with this tool contributes to research areas such as remote management of therapies and monitoring rehabilitation of people's mobility.

Simulation System of Electric-Powered Wheelchairs for Training Purposes.

For some people with severe physical disabilities, the main assistive device to improve their independence and to enhance overall well-being is an electric-powered wheelchair (EPW). However, there is a necessity to offer users EPW training. In this work, the Simcadrom is introduced, which is a virtual reality simulator for EPW driving learning purposes, testing of driving skills and performance, and testing of input interfaces. This simulator uses a joystick as the main input interface, and a virtual reality head-mounted display. However, it can also be used with an eye-tracker device as an alternative input interface and a projector to display the virtual environment (VE). Sense of presence, and user experience questionnaires were implemented to evaluate this version of the Simcadrom in addition to some statistical tests for performance parameters like: total elapsed time, path following error, and total number of commands. A test protocol was proposed and, considering the overall results, the system proved to simulate, very realistically, the usability, kinematics, and dynamics of a real EPW in a VE. Most subjects were able to improve their EPW driving performance in the training session. Furthermore, all skills learned are feasible to be transferred to a real EPW.

Magnetic Position System Design Method Applied to Three-Axis Joystick Motion Tracking.

This manuscript discusses the difficulties with magnetic position and orientation (MPO) system design and proposes a general method for finding optimal layouts. The formalism introduces a system quality measure through state separation and reduces the question "How to design an MPO system?" to a global optimization problem. The latter is then solved by combining differential evolution algorithms with magnet shape variation based on analytical computations of the field. The proposed formalism is then applied to study possible realizations of continuous three-axis joystick motion tracking, realized with just a single magnet and a single 3D magnetic field sensor. The computations show that this is possible when a specific design condition is fulfilled and that large state separations as high as 1mT/∘ can be achieved under realistic conditions. Finally, a comparison to state-of-the-art design methods is drawn, computation accuracy is reviewed critically, and an experimental validation is presented.

The validity and consistency of continuous joystick response in perceptual decision-making.

A computer joystick is an efficient and cost-effective response device for recording continuous movements in psychological experiments. Movement trajectories and other measures from continuous responses have expanded the insights gained from discrete responses (e.g., button presses) by providing unique information about how cognitive processes unfold over time. However, few studies have evaluated the validity of joystick responses with reference to conventional key presses, and how response modality can affect cognitive processes. Here we systematically compared human participants' behavioral performance of perceptual decision-making when they responded with either joystick movements or key presses in a four-alternative motion discrimination task. We found evidence that the response modality did not affect raw behavioral measures, including decision accuracy and mean response time, at the group level. Furthermore, to compare the underlying decision processes between the two response modalities, we fitted a drift-diffusion model of decision-making to individual participants' behavioral data. Bayesian analyses of the model parameters showed no evidence that switching from key presses to continuous joystick movements modulated the decision-making process. These results supported continuous joystick actions as a valid apparatus for continuous movements, although we highlight the need for caution when conducting experiments with continuous movement responses.

Automated home cage training of mice in a hold-still center-out reach task.

An obstacle to understanding neural mechanisms of movement is the complex, distributed nature of the mammalian motor system. Here we present a novel behavioral paradigm for high-throughput dissection of neural circuits underlying mouse forelimb control. Custom touch-sensing joysticks were used to quantify mouse forelimb trajectories with micron-millisecond spatiotemporal resolution. Joysticks were integrated into computer-controlled, rack-mountable home cages, enabling batches of mice to be trained in parallel. Closed loop behavioral analysis enabled online control of reward delivery for automated training. We used this system to show that mice can learn, with no human handling, a direction-specific hold-still center-out reach task in which a mouse first held its right forepaw still before reaching out to learned spatial targets. Stabilogram diffusion analysis of submillimeter-scale micromovements produced during the hold demonstrate that an active control process, akin to upright balance, was implemented to maintain forepaw stability. Trajectory decomposition methods, previously used in primates, were used to segment hundreds of thousands of forelimb trajectories into millions of constituent kinematic primitives. This system enables rapid dissection of neural circuits for controlling motion primitives from which forelimb sequences are built. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel joystick design resolves mouse forelimb kinematics with micron-millisecond precision. Home cage training is used to train mice in a hold-still center-out reach task. Analytical methods, previously used in primates, are used to decompose mouse forelimb trajectories into kinematic primitives.

SenseJoy, a pluggable solution for assessing user behavior during powered wheelchair driving tasks.

BACKGROUND: The complex task of Electric Powered Wheelchairs (EPW) prescription relies mainly on personal experience and subjective observations despite standardized processes and protocols. The most informative measurements come from joystick monitoring, but recording direct joystick outputs require to disassemble the joystick. We propose a new solution called "SenseJoy" that is easy to plug on a joystick and is suitable to characterize the driver behavior by estimating the joystick command. METHODS: SenseJoy is a pluggable system embedded on EPW built with a 3D accelerometer and a 2D gyrometer placed within the joystick and another 3D accelerometer located at the basis of the joystick. Data is sampled at 39 Hz and processed offline. First, SenseJoy sensitivity is assessed on wheelchair driving tasks performed by a group of 8 drivers (31 ± 8 years old, including one driver with left hemiplegia, one with cerebral palsy) in a lab environment. Direct joystick measurements are compared with SenseJoy estimations in different driving exercises. A second group of 5 drivers is recorded in the ecological context of a rehabilitation center (41 ± 10 years old, with two tetraplegic drivers, one tetraplegic driver with cognitive disorder, one driver post-stroke, one driver with right hemiplegia). The measurements from all groups of drivers are evaluated with an unsupervised statistical analysis, to estimate driving profile clusters. RESULTS: The SenseJoy is able to measure the EPW joystick inclination angles with a resolution of 1.31% and 1.23% in backward/forward and left/right directions respectively. A statistical validation ensures that the classical joystick-based indicators are equivalent when acquired with the SenseJoy or with a direct joystick output connection. Using an unsupervised methodology, based on a similarity matrix between subjects, it is possible to characterize the driver profile from real data. CONCLUSION: SenseJoy is a pluggable system for assessing the joystick controls during EPW driving tasks. This system can be plugged on any EPW equipped with a joystick control interface. We demonstrate that it correctly estimates the performance indicators and it is able to characterize driving profile. The system is suitable and efficient to assist therapists in their recommendation, by providing objective measures with a fast installation process.

A New Input Device for Spastics Based on Strain Gauge.

This article presents a new sensor for use by people with spastic disorders and similar conditions and enables them to steer and control medical devices such as electric powered wheelchairs. As spastic patients often suffer from cramping of their extremities, which can then no longer be controlled, using a standard joystick while operating a powered wheelchair can lead to dangerous situations. To prevent this, we designed a sensor based on strain gauges, which is shaped like a flat disc that can be operated using any body part. By shifting weight along the x- and y-axis, the disc tilts in all directions thereby generating proportionate output signals. The disc can also be pressed downward (z-axis), for example, to open a wheelchair's menu. Thanks to the sensor's flat disc-like construction and the option of mounting it into a control panel, users are not in danger of becoming stuck on the disc during spastic episodes. In the event of a spasm, body parts simply slide over the disc reducing risk of unintended actions. The sensor is adaptive and adjustable enabling it to fit a user's range of strength and motion at any time. It was developed to ensure users can operate sensitive systems safely.

A New, Adaptable, Optical High-Resolution 3-Axis Sensor.

This article presents a new optical, multi-functional, high-resolution 3-axis sensor which serves to navigate and can, for example, replace standard joysticks in medical devices such as electric wheelchairs, surgical robots or medical diagnosis devices. A light source, e.g., a laser diode, is affixed to a movable axis and projects a random geometric shape on an image sensor (CMOS or CCD). The downstream microcontroller's software identifies the geometric shape's center, distortion and size, and then calculates x, y, and z coordinates, which can be processed in attached devices. Depending on the image sensor in use (e.g., 6.41 megapixels), the 3-axis sensor features a resolution of 1544 digits from right to left and 1038 digits up and down. Through interpolation, these values rise by a factor of 100. A unique feature is the exact reproducibility (deflection to coordinates) and its precise ability to return to its neutral position. Moreover, optical signal processing provides a high level of protection against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. The sensor is adaptive and adjustable to fit a user's range of motion (stroke and force). This recommendation aims to optimize sensor systems such as joysticks in medical devices in terms of safety, ease of use, and adaptability.

Moving evidence into practice: cost analysis and assessment of macaques' sustained behavioral engagement with videogames and foraging devices.

Environmental enrichment plans for captive nonhuman primates often include provision of foraging devices. The rationale for using foraging devices is to promote species-typical activity patterns that encourage physical engagement and provide multi-sensory stimulation. However, these devices have been shown to be ineffective at sustaining manipulation over long periods of time, and often produce minimal cognitive engagement. Here we use an evidence-based approach to directly compare the amount of object-directed behavior with a foraging device and a computer-based videogame system. We recorded 11 adult male rhesus monkeys' interactions with a foraging device and two tasks within a joystick videogame cognitive test battery. Both techniques successfully produced high levels of engagement during the initial 20 min of observation. After 1 hr the monkeys manipulated the foraging device significantly less than the joystick, F(2,10) = 43.93, P < 0.0001. Subsequent testing showed that the monkeys engaged in videogame play for the majority of a 5 hr period, provided that they received a 94 mg chow pellet upon successful completion of trials. Using a model approach, we developed previously as a basis for standardized cost:benefit analysis to inform facility decisions, we calculated the comprehensive cost of incorporating a videogame system as an enrichment strategy. The videogame system has a higher initial cost compared to widely-used foraging devices, however, the ongoing labor and supply costs are relatively low. Our findings add to two decades of empirical studies by a number of laboratories that have demonstrated the successful use of videogame-based systems to promote sustained non-social cognitive engagement for macaques. The broader significance of the work lies in the application of a systematic approach to compare and contrast enrichment strategies and encourage evidence-based decision making when choosing an enrichment strategy in a manner that promotes meaningful cognitive enrichment to the animals.

Intraoperative Physical Examination for Diagnosis of Interosseous Ligament Rupture-Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To study the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the diagnosis of interosseous ligament (IOL) rupture in a cadaver model. METHODS: On 12 fresh frozen cadavers, radial heads were cut using an identical incision and osteotomy. After randomization, the soft tissues of the limbs were divided into 4 groups: both IOL and triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) intact; IOL disruption but TFCC intact; both IOL and TFCC divided; and IOL intact but TFCC divided. All incisions had identical suturing. After standard instruction and demonstration of radius pull-push and radius lateral pull tests, 10 physician evaluators with different levels of experience examined the cadaver limbs in a standardized way (elbow at 90° with the forearm held in both supination and pronation) and were asked to classify them into one of the 4 groups. Next, the same examiners were asked to re-examine the limbs after randomly changing the order of examination. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability of agreement for the diagnosis of IOL injury (groups 2 and 3) was fair in both rounds of examination and the intraobserver reliability was moderate. The intra- and interobserver reliabilities of agreement for the 4 groups of injuries among the examiners were fair in both rounds of examination. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values were all around 70%. The likelihood of a positive test corresponding with the presence of IOL rupture (positive likelihood ratio) was 2.2. The likelihood of a negative test correctly diagnosing an intact IOL was 0.40. CONCLUSIONS: In cadavers, intraoperative tests had fair reliability and 70% accuracy for the diagnosis of IOL rupture using the push-pull and lateral pull maneuvers. The level of experience did not have any effect on the correct diagnosis of intact versus disrupted IOL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although not common, some failure of surgeries for traumatic elbow fracture-dislocations is because of failure in timely diagnosis of IOL disruption.

Joystick-controlled video console game practice for developing power wheelchairs users' indoor driving skills.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of joystick-controlled video console games in enhancing subjects' ability to control power wheelchairs. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy young adults without prior experience of driving power wheelchairs were recruited. Four commercially available video games were used as training programs to practice joystick control in catching falling objects, crossing a river, tracing the route while floating on a river, and navigating through a garden maze. An indoor power wheelchair driving test, including straight lines, and right and left turns, was completed before and after the video game practice, during which electromyographic signals of the upper limbs were recorded. The paired t-test was used to compare the differences in driving performance and muscle activities before and after the intervention. [Results] Following the video game intervention, participants took significantly less time to complete the course, with less lateral deviation when turning the indoor power wheelchair. However, muscle activation in the upper limbs was not significantly affected. [Conclusion] This study demonstrates the feasibility of using joystick-controlled commercial video games to train individuals in the control of indoor power wheelchairs.