Application and development of virtual reality tools to complement conventional therapy of stroke patients and evaluation of recovery using brain connectivity through fMRI

• Grant number: 15/03695-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Gabriela Castellano
• Grantee: Alexandre Fonseca Brandão
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07559-3 - BRAINN - The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/02200-3 - Virtual reality for neurorehabilitation: from the development of the solution to the transfer of technology for the benefit of society, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) systems have been used in science as tools for teaching and learning, technical training and entertainment. In the field of neurofunctional rehabilitation, VR gives a real opportunity to complement conventional therapy on people who live with physical and cognitive limitations. Here we present a project, whose goal is to test and improve a VR package to aid the improvement of motor and cognitive function in patients who have suffered a stroke. The VR package, called GestureCollection (coauthored by the candidate), is aimed at stimulating Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) through the movement of the lower and upper limbs, including trunk rotation. This application uses a gesture recognition sensor (Microsoft Kinect) that scans the user's body and creates spatial coordinates from their joints, allowing gestural interaction. The aim of the project is to use these VR tools in parallel with standard physiotherapy sessions, and investigate whether this improves patients' recovery. This improvement will be evaluated by assessing the brain connectivity using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BRANDAO, ALEXANDRE FONSECA; COLOMBO DIAS, DIEGO ROBERTO; MACHADO REIS, SAVYO TOLEDO; CABREIRA, CLOVIS MAGRI; MORAES FRADE, MARIA CECILIA; BELTRAME, THOMAS; GUIMARAES, MARCELO DE PAIVA; CASTELLANO, GABRIELA; GERVASI, O; MURGANTE, B; et al. Biomechanics Sensor Node for Virtual Reality: A Wearable Device Applied to Gait Recovery for Neurofunctional Rehabilitation. COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE AND ITS APPLICATIONS - ICCSA 2020, PT VII, v. 12255, p. 14-pg., 2020-01-01. (15/03695-5)

JURIOLI, MATEUS MICHELIN; BRANDAO, ALEXANDRE FONSECA; SILVA GUEDES MARTINS, BARBARA CRISTINA; SIMOES, EDUARDO DO VALLE; MOTTA TOLEDO, CLAUDEO FABINO; GERVASI, O; MURGANTE, B; MISRA, S; GARAU, C; BLECIC, I; et al. Wearable Device for Immersive Virtual Reality Control and Application in Upper Limbs Motor Rehabilitation. COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE AND ITS APPLICATIONS - ICCSA 2020, PT VII, v. 12255, p. 16-pg., 2020-01-01. (13/07375-0, 15/03695-5, 13/07559-3)