Grant: Collaborative Health Research Projects (NSERC partnered)

A major limitation after stroke is poor arm function. This severely hampers both recovery from stroke and also is a major contributor to reduced quality of life. Despite increased understanding of how the brain recovers from stroke effective therapies that stimulate return of stroke affected arm function remain elusive. This problem is particularly acute for people with more severe stroke who suffer the worst outcomes and are most disabled. Thus, there is a critical need for new technologies that will facilitate recovery and functional capability after stroke. Research has been performed showing that different intentions may be recorded through the use of non-invasive recording from the brain using electroencephalography (EEG). This enables the detection of when someone is trying to move the arm. Our research team has already demonstrated and built an exoskeleton robotic system that can assist in moving the arm. In this proposal we aim to marry these two technologies to enable an integrated system that allows control of the robotic exoskeleton using thinking as captured by EEG. We have assembled an ideal team to carry out this proposal including experts from neuroscience, adaptive technology engineering and clinicians who will serve as our users. In addition this project is well positioned to lead to further technological developments, be transferable to industry and stimulate job growth for Canadians.