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A pioneering therapy integrating a computer-brain interface may offer stroke survivors renewed mobility in their hands, as demonstrated in a University of Adelaide study where patients experienced substantial reductions in arm and hand impairments.
The study, published in PNAS Nexus, involved about twelve chronic stroke patients from South Australia who underwent a novel personalised brain-computer interface therapy.
The therapy, known as RehabSwift, demonstrated notable improvements in hand movement and a clinically significant reduction in post-stroke arm and hand impairment after 18 therapy sessions.
Senior Co-author Associate Professor Mathias Baumert from the University of Adelaide’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering highlighted that the therapy facilitates the rewiring and restoration of the brain’s neural pathways, which are typically damaged by stroke. RehabSwift has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration and integrates advanced technology to aid stroke rehabilitation.
The therapy employs a cap and hand exoskeleton. The cap detects brain waves generated when a patient attempts to move their hand. These brain waves are then translated by a computer algorithm into commands for the hand exoskeleton, which physically moves the patient’s hand and fingers. This process is tailored to match the patient’s unique neurocognitive characteristics, providing a personalised therapeutic approach.
Associate Professor Anupam Datta Gupta, a rehabilitation medicine specialist and co-author of the study, explained the assessment metrics used to evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness. Patients were evaluated on reaction time, sensorimotor impairment, functional performance of the upper limb, pinch and grip strength, and individualised goals. Remarkably, 75% of patients reported significant improvements in upper limb movements. Additionally, the positive effects of the therapy persisted for at least four weeks post-treatment, though further investigation through randomised control trials is necessary to substantiate these findings.
Globally, one in four individuals will experience a stroke during their lifetime, a leading cause of death in Australia. Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by either a blood clot or a burst blood vessel, resulting in rapid brain cell death, brain damage, disability, or death. Many stroke survivors endure long-term disabilities despite conventional therapies, which often fail to address severe motor impairments.
Professor Derek Abbott, another senior co-author and Laureate Fellow from the University of Adelaide’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, emphasised the transformative potential of this new therapy for stroke survivors. Despite the small scale of the study, the results suggest that personalised brain-computer interface therapy could significantly enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors by improving motor functions.
RehabSwift, developed by Sam Darvishi during his PhD studies at the University of Adelaide, operates under the MedTech company based in ThincLab. The researchers intend to expand the study to a larger patient cohort to examine the long-term effects of the therapy and determine its viability as a standard therapeutic approach.
Associate Professor Baumert underscored the clinical relevance of the study’s results, which have shown meaningful changes in patients’ lives. With continued research, this innovative therapy could become a vital tool in the rehabilitation toolkit, substantially improving recovery outcomes for stroke survivors.
The RehabSwift therapy leverages cutting-edge technology to revolutionise stroke rehabilitation. By integrating a brain-computer interface cap that captures brain waves with a sophisticated computer algorithm that translates these signals into precise commands for a hand exoskeleton, this therapy facilitates real-time, personalised movement of the patient’s hand and fingers.
This tech-driven approach not only enhances the efficacy of post-stroke rehabilitation by rewiring neural pathways but also offers a tailored treatment experience, potentially setting a new standard in the field. As ongoing research continues to validate its long-term benefits, RehabSwift stands poised to become an indispensable tool in the recovery journey of stroke survivors.
