Thesis Description & Objectives
The project aims to develop an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance motor rehabilitation following stroke. Individuals with stroke injury frequently experience upper limb motor deficits, which can significantly impact daily activities and independence. With more than £3 billion of NHS expenditure annually devoted to neurorehabilitation programmes, improving the efficiency and engagement of rehabilitation strategies is a crucial area of research. Traditional physiotherapy programmes often struggle to maintain patient motivation and consistency. VR-based rehabilitation offers an immersive and interactive environment that increases engagement and provides precise tracking of motor performance. AI technologies can be used to monitor user progress in real time, automatically adjusting the level of task difficulty and providing personalised feedback to optimise recovery outcomes.
We are seeking two students for this project:
Student 1: Development of the Virtual Reality rehabilitation environment.
Student 2: Integration of AI algorithms for adaptive feedback and performance monitoring.
Participants will engage in a VR-enhanced version of the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP), performing functional tasks such as reaching, grasping, and manipulating virtual objects (e.g., picking up fruit or opening a door). The system will accurately track hand movements through VR controllers and provide realistic feedback to simulate object interaction. The goal is to create a motivating and data-driven rehabilitation tool that improves adherence and maximises motor recovery outcomes.
