Patients can speed up their recovery after debilitating strokes by playing silly iPhone games - like FRUIT NINJA.

An ongoing study of 24 patients at Croydon University Hospital has found virtual reality gaming has promising benefits when it comes to stroke rehabilitation.

The hospital is the first and only NHS trust trialling the therapy.

Strokes can be debilitating and life changing and although the NHS has revolutionised stroke treatment over recent years, there are few techniques to improve spatial awareness after a stroke, which is a particular focus of the research.

This project, led by consultant stroke physician Dr Karen Kee and her team of therapists, involves a computer screen where an image of the patient’s arm is captured using light sensors.

The patients, who were recruited from the acute stroke unit, received sessions on MindMotion Pro, a virtual reality therapeutic gaming platform developed by MindMaze, in addition to normal therapy.

The two main games are Ninja Champ, which is very similar to Fruit Ninja, which involves picking up a sword and chopping fruit at different angles and speeds to build strength and coordination.

It has difficulty levels and gives you scores for how well you have done. The other involves moving different shapes to place them on top of each other, which helps train precision and delicate movements.

Patients ages ranged from 42 to 87, while 60 per cent had had large strokes.

Their limb function was measured throughout the study and the majority saw an improvement in their score.

Patients also reported positive effects on their mental health and current evidence suggests the technology works for all age groups.

Dr Karen Kee said: "This system helps people to recover strength and coordination while feeling more like they are playing a computer game.

"It makes therapy more fun and they can achieve more time with our therapy assistants.

"It gives you scores and you can see how you're improving, which can be good for a person's confidence.

"A person who is receiving therapy to help them stand up can even forget they are doing so because they are so busy concentrating on the game. It’s very engaging."

One patient, Albert Critchley, known as Peter, was 87 when he had a stroke in July outside his home in Norbury, south west London.

Fortunately he was found by a woman who was jogging nearby.

An ambulance took him to St George’s Hospital and he is now at Croydon University Hospital for his rehabilitation.

He has difficulty walking and his left arm, in particular, was weakened by his stroke.

Peter has been at the hospital for six weeks and is one of the 24 patients who have been able to use the MindMotion PRO equipment.

He plays virtual games such as Fruit Ninja twice a week to improve his limb function.

Peter said: "The stroke was sudden. Not painful but I found I couldn't move my limbs.

"One moment you're okay and the next you're not. I lost a lot of movement on my left side.

"I play the games on this machine twice a week with help from therapy assistants and I can feel it working.

"I'm gaining confidence and my arm's movement will get better. I thought it sounded like a good idea when I was offered it - although I didn't know what to expect. I'm really thankful for the support."

Earlier this month he married his partner Beth, who he met in Australia half a century ago.

He hopes to be well enough soon to take the long journey back to Australia so that he can settle down with Beth and her large family.