Hongshuo Guo

Animation in the TST App: Supporting People with Stroke in Understanding Task-Specific Training

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with its incidence expected to rise due to an ageing population. Task-specific training (TST) and action observation are recognised as effective interventions for stroke rehabilitation, particularly in improving motor function, mobility, and independence. However, engagement in rehabilitation remains a challenge for people with stroke, often due to limited understanding, motivation, and self-efficacy.

Multimedia approaches, particularly animation, have demonstrated potential in enhancing patient education and adherence. Despite this, research on animation’s role in improving stroke survivors’ understanding of TST and promoting engagement is limited. Existing studies lack clearly defined animation design principles tailored to stroke rehabilitation and offer minimal insights into animation formats, styles, and production quality.

The project is supported by Dr Nada Signal and Dr Gemma Alder from the physiotherapy department at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). This study will explore how animation can enhance people with stroke's understanding of TST and promote their engagement in TST.

Supervisors

Dr Edgar Rodriguez

Simon Ray

Qualifications

2017 Master of Fine Arts, Tongji University

2014 Bachelor of Arts (Animation), Awarded with Distinction, Tongji University

Awards and Achievements

2024 Wellington Doctoral Scholarship