Biomechanics of Nintendo Switch Adaptive Controller

Advisor(s)

Dr. Joshua Gargac

Confirmation

1

Document Type

Poster

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Start Date

24-4-2026 12:00 PM

End Date

24-4-2026 12:50 PM

Abstract

This project presents the development of an adaptive Nintendo Switch controller system designed to make physical therapy and rehabilitation more accessible and engaging. By modifying a standard gaming interface, the system enables individuals with limited mobility, reduced strength, or impaired motor control, to participate in interactive therapy through gameplay. The system consists of two primary components. The first is a modified Nintendo Switch interface connected to enlarged buttons (approximately 2.5 inches in diameter) and a joystick for patient use. The second is a mounting board, approximately six feet by three feet, featuring multiple placement points for the buttons. Buttons attach via extended prongs that can be inserted, secured, and repositioned. Physical therapists determine button placement based on the desired joint angles, tailoring configurations to each patient’s height and therapeutic goals. Patients perform exercises by reaching for buttons and using the joystick while playing games, integrating exercise into engaging activities. This study analyzed the biomechanics of system use by tracking upper-limb joint motion. Motion capture was performed using the OpenCap software, which quantifies human movement using smartphone videos. Data was processed in MATLAB to determine maximum joint angles of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Additionally, button placement was mapped relative to the joint motion and compiled alongside subject-specific parameters, such as patient height and movement type, into a reference datasheet. This datasheet enables physical therapists to optimize button placement based on rehabilitation goals and patient characteristics. Future research will expand the datasheet to include a broader range of patient profiles.

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Apr 24th, 12:00 PM Apr 24th, 12:50 PM

Biomechanics of Nintendo Switch Adaptive Controller

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

This project presents the development of an adaptive Nintendo Switch controller system designed to make physical therapy and rehabilitation more accessible and engaging. By modifying a standard gaming interface, the system enables individuals with limited mobility, reduced strength, or impaired motor control, to participate in interactive therapy through gameplay. The system consists of two primary components. The first is a modified Nintendo Switch interface connected to enlarged buttons (approximately 2.5 inches in diameter) and a joystick for patient use. The second is a mounting board, approximately six feet by three feet, featuring multiple placement points for the buttons. Buttons attach via extended prongs that can be inserted, secured, and repositioned. Physical therapists determine button placement based on the desired joint angles, tailoring configurations to each patient’s height and therapeutic goals. Patients perform exercises by reaching for buttons and using the joystick while playing games, integrating exercise into engaging activities. This study analyzed the biomechanics of system use by tracking upper-limb joint motion. Motion capture was performed using the OpenCap software, which quantifies human movement using smartphone videos. Data was processed in MATLAB to determine maximum joint angles of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Additionally, button placement was mapped relative to the joint motion and compiled alongside subject-specific parameters, such as patient height and movement type, into a reference datasheet. This datasheet enables physical therapists to optimize button placement based on rehabilitation goals and patient characteristics. Future research will expand the datasheet to include a broader range of patient profiles.