# Amputee Gaming Wearables This Foot Attachment Helps Upper-Body Amputees Play Video Games By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-06-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foot-attachment References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/gear-amputee-gaming-footwear/44035/) & [hub.jhu.edu](http://hub.jhu.edu/2016/06/23/gear-foot-video-game-controller) A trio of grad students working out of [Johns Hopkins University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universe-map1) have developed a high-tech foot attachment that is designed to make it possible for [upper-body amputees to play games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onehanded-controller) using their feet. The project was kickstarted by student Gyorgy Levay after he lost both his hands to a meningitis infection. The so-called Game Enhancing Augmented Reality attachment comprises a pair of foot attachments, each of which is fitted with a trio of movement-detecting sensors. As the player moves their foot around, the attachments' circuits translate them into in-game movements. Once a user becomes accustomed to the foot attachment setup, they can use it to elicit as many as 20 different functions. This [wearable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tetris-watch) is an important innovation considering the finding that a large percentage of amputees suffer from depression, something which can be alleviated with technologies that allow them to partake in activities that they enjoy, such as gaming. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Wearable Gaming Technology:** Developing wearable technology for gaming allows upper-body amputees to participate in activities they enjoy. - **Movement-detecting Sensors:** The use of movement-detecting sensors in gaming wearables opens up possibilities for precise and immersive gaming experiences. - **Alleviating Depression in Amputees:** Creating technologies that enable amputees to engage in activities that bring them joy can help reduce the prevalence of depression in this population. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming:** The gaming industry could tap into the market potential of developing inclusive gaming wearables for people with physical disabilities. - **Prosthetics:** The prosthetics industry can explore the integration of gaming technology in their products to enhance the functionality and quality of life for amputees. - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can leverage gaming wearables as a therapeutic tool for mental health, promoting well-being and reducing depression in patients with physical disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Facial Movement Game Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gameface.md) - [Haptic VR Walking Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ekto-one-boots.md) - [Full-Body Motion-Tracking Game Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rebuff-reality-bodylink.md) - [Fitness-Focused Gaming Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quell.md) - [Single-Handed Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onehanded-dualsense-controller.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Foot Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foot-mouse.md) - [Haptic Workout Gaming Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elecsuit.md) - [Upper-Limb Wearable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleev-1.md) - [Gamified Rehabilitation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamified-rehabilitation-system.md)