Grant: Collaborative Health Research Projects

Neurological conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury can seriously impair onesability to use their arm and hands for essential activities of daily living. We have previouslydeveloped the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) which has beenshown in a multi-site randomized controlled trial to improve upper extremity function afterstroke through hundreds of repetitions of the arm, hand and fingers, as well as strengtheningexercises. It is utilized in over 3000 sites and is part of the Canadian Stroke Best PracticeRecommendations. Under ideal supervisory conditions, the program is effective, butadherence is problematic as it is difficult to keep track of the many repetitions, can bechallenging to know how to continually make the tasks harder, and lacks feedback to motivateindividuals to do the exercise. I-GRASP will solve these issues by developing an instrumentedplatform derived from the evidence-based GRASP program where patients will be able to 1)measure their own upper extremity function, 2) improve their function through progressiveexercises and 3) and receive feedback to help motivate their progress. Our team is acollaboration between engineer and health care researchers and our partners include awearable sensor company, a public sector rehabilitation hospital, and a private rehabilitationclinic to ensure the relevance of our product. The proposed technology to measure, motivateand enhance hand function will improve the lives of individuals with stroke and will beapplicable to other populations with hand problems. The project will also advancetechnologies related to smart materials and wearable sensors. Lastly, the research has greatpotential for commercialization by the industry partner Texavie and to potentially open newmarkets for rehabilitation technology that can be accessed by health providers and strokesurvivors.