Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

Stroke is one of the most common forms of neurological disability, causing a loss of independence and a need for substantial physical and financial support. Assessment of sensory and motor impairment plays a crucial role in all facets of patient care. Current approaches for identifying impairment involve subjective rating systems that lack sensitivity and reliability. Our primary goal is to integrate robotic technology with intelligent systems for the assessment and treatment of stroke patients. We will design, develop and evaluate advanced software tc objectively quantify sensorimotor function and to assist in the diagnosis of impairment, monitoring of progress, and planning of rehabilitation therapy. As well, we will systematically study the relationship between sensory and motor control in our subjects. The proposed research will involve seven graduate students who will receive advanced training in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. The proposal involves a team of world class researchers working in the areas of neuroscience and biomedical computing. The research will be carried out in collaboration with industrial partners (IBM, BKIN and C-Motion) and with clinicians at Saint Mary's of the Lake Hospital in Kingston. Real-time data will be collected using KINARM, an advanced robotic device developed by our team, to measure sensory, motor and reflexive abilities in the upper limbs during multiple stages of recovery for stroke patients. This data will provide the necessary input for the development of our computational tools. Our research into intelligent systems for real-time monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients is unique and important to Canada's aging population. The market demand for objective clinical assessment tools is enormous due to the large number of individuals afflicted with neurophysiological disorders. The outcome o: our research will provide the next generation of clinical assessment tools for upper limb sensorimotor control.