Advancing game-based Telerehabilitation Technologies for Individuals with Chronic Neurological Disorders and Injuries

Our research program involves multidisciplinary collaborations.  This includes   expertise in Physical Therapy   Occupational Therapy , clinical research  , Neuroscience,  Engineering, Computer Science AI and Data Science)

Leveraging affordable computer technologies  mechatronics,  digital media and game technology we have developed and demonstrated proof of concept for a telerehabilitation platform designed to deliver cost-effective, high-impact exercise and rehabilitation programs. These programs feature embedded assessment tools (telemonitoring; electronic records, timely feedback, and clinician support) and are suitable for use at home, in community exercise facilities, and in rural or remote locations. The platform supports multiple applications,  which we outline below:

1.  Game-based and Assistive Mechatronic Telerehabilitation System for Manual Dexterity

This system offers interactive, engaging, game-assisted repetitive practice of a wide range of goal-directed tasks relevant to daily life. Target populations include: a) Adults with acquired brain injuries (stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury).b) Children with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury.

c) Individuals with upper extremity, hand, and peripheral nerve injuries.

2. Computer Game-Based Rehabilitation System for Treadmill Use Augmented with automated assessment and telemonitoring capabilities, this system provides an engaging, integrated approach to screening, assessing, and treating impairments in balance, gait, visuomotor coordination, executive cognitive function, and dual-task performance. Target populations include individuals with Parkinson’s disease,  traumatic brain injury, stroke, vestibular disorders, concussion, aging-related decline, and children with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury.

Our platform and  approach is innovative in the way it utilizes inexpensive, diverse resources and computer-aided technologies.   Providing   affordable, computer game-based therapy programs  and with assistive mechatronics augmented with tele monitoring methods that can function in the home is an attractive solution to increase both accessibility and engagement    to long-term rehabilitation programs for children and adults  with chronic neuromuscular conditions/injuries

This research program aims to accelerate the development of our platform, Open Rehab, to Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3) to provide smarter, lower costs and more efficient   remote telerehabilitation therapy solutions (home, community center and delivery of services to rural communities)

?for individuals with chronic neuromuscular conditions, such as,  stroke  children with neurodevelopmental disorders  Parkinsons  and other acquired brain disorders and neurodegenerative disorders

Research also to include;

a)            Provide? Telemonitoring API tools? Which can be used to support clinicians to remotely track progress and intervene when needed. 

b)            a) development and integrate explainable AI systems that monitor treatment effectiveness and patient status ,  

c)             c) development od clinician-friendly dashboards that provide predictive insights, early warning of deterioration, and personalized therapeutic recommendations.