User's Manual

Table Of Contents
Page 16 of 29
Hot Air Balloon is an introductory activity to help the patient work on core control and strength as well
as centering and postural proprioception. By leaning their torso from a sitting position in a certain
direction, and holding it there against gravity, they fly a hot air balloon in that same direction. There are
a number of objectives the patient can achieve by flying the balloon around. To fly the balloon away and
towards them, the patient uses thoracolumbar flexion and extension, and to fly from left to right
involves thoracolumbar flexion to the left or right. This set of activities provide a range of challenges
focusing on enhancement of trunk control, postural stability, and dynamic balance, all of which are
foundational to upper extremity function. HCPs may adjust various activity parameters through the
tablet.
Sub-Activity 1: Balloon Pilot
This sub-activity takes place near the ground. The patient-controlled balloon is tethered to the ground
to limit balloon travel and encourage simple torso centering, trunk mobility, and dynamic weight
shifting. The patient can pilot the balloon on-tether to nearby interactive objects.
Sub-Activity 2: Bumper Band
This sub-activity takes place halfway up the mountainside. The patient uses trunk extension, flexion, as
well as lateral flexion to drive the balloon in an untethered mode to bump other balloons with
characters in them, back to the performance stage.
Sub-Activity 3: Summit Rescue
This sub-activity takes place at the peak of the mountain where the player has to steer the balloon to
bring hikers which made it to the summit. The patient has to counteract different obstacles using
cognitive planning, problem solving, and trunk control movements.