Cortical changes measured with TMS and MEG following 3-weeks of hand movement training using a novel passive device

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with long-term hand function impairments being the most common symptom among stroke survivors. As hand function plays a vital role in performing everyday activities, individuals with stroke face a significant impact in their quality of life including their ability to maintain independence, employment, and socially connectedness. To improve hand function and overcome challenges from this disability, IRegained® has developed the MyHandTM System, a therapy device that promotes various types of hand movements in a gamified environment. An initial 3-week intervention with the MyHandTM System has shown significant improvements in hand function in individuals with chronic stroke. However, it remains unclear what changes in brain activity in response to this therapy correspond with the improved hand function. Most stroke therapies rely on behavioural improvements as the primary outcome measure of recovery. The proposed research project involves a collaboration with IRegained®, where various tools that stimulate and measure brain activity will be used to better understand the effects of hand function therapy on the brain itself.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jed Meltzer

Student:

Partner:

IRegained

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: