Menu
29/09/2005
UU researchers help stroke victims using virtual reality
A team of researchers from the University of Ulster have won a Northern Ireland Healthcare Award for their work in helping people with stroke regain use of their limbs.
Jacqueline Crosbie, Professor Suzanne McDonough and Dr Sheila Lennon from the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute at Jordanstown along with Dr Michael McNeill from the School of Computing and Information Engineering, at Coleraine, won the accolade for Innovations in Stroke Care.
The team have developed revolutionary techniques to help people with stroke regain use of their upper limbs, with the help of virtual reality.
A pilot study has already been launched employing a low cost, virtual reality system, which allows people with stroke to be immersed in a virtual world.
Patients can practice upper limb movements in this virtual world, which can provide a more stimulating environment to relieve the boredom of repetitive tasks. The study is unique in the UK and Ireland.
“Stroke is the most common cause of disability in adults and can lead to permanent changes in a person’s life style,” explained Jacqueline Crosbie.
“It is estimated that out of the 80% of people who survive a stroke, between 30-66% will not regain use of their affected arm. This virtual reality system focuses specifically on helping stroke patients regain more use of arm and hand movement, hopefully making everyday tasks such as eating, drinking and driving possible.”
The new technology will involve the patient wearing a head-mounted display which provides a sense of immersion into a virtual world. The world could be a representation of an environment with which the patient is familiar, such as a kitchen, living room or supermarket, enabling the practice of movements needed to carry out daily chores such as making a cup of tea.
The patient will also wear a flexible glove connected to position and orientation sensors and a number of additional sensors will be attached to the patient’s shoulder. These will enable the patient’s hand and arm movements to be tracked in the virtual environment-providing visual feedback to the patient. Audio feedback in the form of a ‘virtual physiotherapist’ is also possible, offering encouragement and motivation during the tasks.
The research has been funded by NI Chest, Heart and Stroke.
(MB/SP)
Jacqueline Crosbie, Professor Suzanne McDonough and Dr Sheila Lennon from the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute at Jordanstown along with Dr Michael McNeill from the School of Computing and Information Engineering, at Coleraine, won the accolade for Innovations in Stroke Care.
The team have developed revolutionary techniques to help people with stroke regain use of their upper limbs, with the help of virtual reality.
A pilot study has already been launched employing a low cost, virtual reality system, which allows people with stroke to be immersed in a virtual world.
Patients can practice upper limb movements in this virtual world, which can provide a more stimulating environment to relieve the boredom of repetitive tasks. The study is unique in the UK and Ireland.
“Stroke is the most common cause of disability in adults and can lead to permanent changes in a person’s life style,” explained Jacqueline Crosbie.
“It is estimated that out of the 80% of people who survive a stroke, between 30-66% will not regain use of their affected arm. This virtual reality system focuses specifically on helping stroke patients regain more use of arm and hand movement, hopefully making everyday tasks such as eating, drinking and driving possible.”
The new technology will involve the patient wearing a head-mounted display which provides a sense of immersion into a virtual world. The world could be a representation of an environment with which the patient is familiar, such as a kitchen, living room or supermarket, enabling the practice of movements needed to carry out daily chores such as making a cup of tea.
The patient will also wear a flexible glove connected to position and orientation sensors and a number of additional sensors will be attached to the patient’s shoulder. These will enable the patient’s hand and arm movements to be tracked in the virtual environment-providing visual feedback to the patient. Audio feedback in the form of a ‘virtual physiotherapist’ is also possible, offering encouragement and motivation during the tasks.
The research has been funded by NI Chest, Heart and Stroke.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 June 2004
University develops 'virtual reality' technique for stroke victims
Researchers from the University of Ulster and the Royal Hospitals have developed revolutionary techniques to help people with stroke regain use of their upper limbs, with the help of virtual reality.
University develops 'virtual reality' technique for stroke victims
Researchers from the University of Ulster and the Royal Hospitals have developed revolutionary techniques to help people with stroke regain use of their upper limbs, with the help of virtual reality.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
20 June 2022
Alliance Calls For Implementation Of Stroke Action Plan
The Department of Health's stroke action plan must proceed quickly, and in an interconnected manner, if opportunities are not to be lost dramatically to improve health outcomes, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.
Alliance Calls For Implementation Of Stroke Action Plan
The Department of Health's stroke action plan must proceed quickly, and in an interconnected manner, if opportunities are not to be lost dramatically to improve health outcomes, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.
29 October 2024
Other News In Brief
Minister Highlights Sport on World Stroke Day Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted sport as an important risk reduction on World Stroke Day.
Other News In Brief
Minister Highlights Sport on World Stroke Day Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted sport as an important risk reduction on World Stroke Day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
