Success Stories
A Sault Ste. Marie Region Success Story
Algoma Games for Health
Leading-edge gaming technology helps stroke victims
Thanks to an innovative new program in Sault Ste. Marie, there are now video games that improve one’s health. And, the more you play, the better.
“Traditional rehabilitation techniques can be tedious for the patient,” says Dwayne Hammond, Director of Algoma Games for Health (AGFH) 
. “But, by adding interactive gaming-style content, patients are often more motivated to stick with their therapy.”
Algoma Games for Health (AGFH) was created in response to the increasing demand for video game applications within the healthcare sector.
What started out as a project at Algoma University is quickly helping AGFH and the city carve out a niche for itself in the emerging field of “serious” gaming for health care.
The technology helps improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and age-related conditions, through innovative rehabilitation and therapy approaches. AGFH software helps connect health professionals to individuals in need, and removes many of the limitations imposed if patient and therapist are in different locations.
Hammond says the games also help collect valuable research data, while monitoring patient progress in a cost-effective manner — since patient and therapist do not have to be in the same location.
Over the last year, AGFH has been working with Toronto Rehab on a video game prototype for recovering language skills after a stroke. They are currently working with speech language therapy researchers to fine-tune the game, and will begin working with patients in the near future.
Expansion plans are also in the works. AGFH has created six highly skilled jobs with plans to double or triple that number in the next couple of years. And, they will be relocating to Algoma University’s $16-million Bio-Sciences and Technology Convergence Centre this year.
It’s another example of the type of partnerships the Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE) will help forge. Partnerships that will improve lives while reinvigorating the local economy.
Example of the interactive screen a games user would see
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